Sequentially operated modules

ABSTRACT

Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system includinginterconnected modules, and, more particularly, to a system wherein asignal, such as a payload control or activation signal, is propagatedsequentially from a module to another module connected thereto forcontrolling a payload or payloads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Examples of a distributed control system having modules connected fordistributed control of payloads are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,360to Binder entitled: “Distributed Serial Control System”, in U.S. Pat.No. 6,480,510 to the same inventor entitled: “Local area network ofserial intelligent cells”, and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,956,826 to the sameinventor entitled: “Local area network for distributing datacommunication, sensing and control signals”, which are all incorporatedin their entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Toys are known in the art for providing amusement, education andentertainment particularly for children. Toy building sets and buildingblocks known as LEGO® bricks are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,034,254 toChristiansen entitled: “Toy Building Sets and Building Blocks”. Examplesof electrically conductive toys such as conductive LEGO® bricks aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,605 to Reining et al. entitled:“Electrically Conductive Block Toy”, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,440 to Bollientitled: “Electrified Toy Building Block with Zig-Zag Current CarryingStructure”, and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,503 to Toft et al. entitled:“Constructional Building Set Having an Electric Conductor”, which areall incorporated in their entirety for all purposes as if fully setforth herein. Three-dimensional conductive building block toys aredisclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2007/0184722 toDoherty entitled: “Powered Modular Building Block Toy”, which isincorporated in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forthherein.

In consideration of the foregoing, it would be an advancement in the artto provide a method and system that is simple, cost-effective, faithful,reliable, has a minimum part count, minimum hardware, and/or usesexisting and available components for providing additionalfunctionalities, amusement, education, entertainment and a better userexperience relating to control of one or more payloads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a module or modules each havingpayload (or payloads) and related methods are described, and a systemformed by plurality of connected modules. The payload (or payloads) inthe system are activated or controlled based on a logic embedded in themodules or the system. The payloads may be activated or controlledsequentially, wherein a payload in a module is activated based on anactivation signal propagated in the system according to the modulesconnection scheme.

A module may include a payload functionality, which includes receivingan activation signal, waiting for a pre-set time period and thenactivating (or controlling) a payload associated with the module.Further, the module may transmit the activation signal to anotherconnected module concurrently with the payload activation (or control),or after a pre-set time period (independent from the former timeperiod). A payload functionality may include two timers, one used forthe initial delay from receiving the activation signal until generatingan activation of the payload via an activation or control port, andanother timer triggered at the end of the initial delay and active untiltransmitting the activation signal to a connected module. Each of thetimers may be delay-line or monostable based. The payload may be part ofthe payload functionality and may be integrated within the modulehousing, or can be external to the module and activated or controlledvia a corresponding connector. Further, payload activation may useeither level activation (‘active low’ or ‘active high’) or edgetriggering (riding or trailing edge).

In one aspect, a timer (or both timers) introduces a random time delayselected within a specified range. The delay can be randomly selectedupon power up and retained throughout the operation until de-energized,or can be selected each time the activation signal is propagated throughthe module. The random delay scheme includes a random signal generatorcoupled to the timer to control its delay. The random signal generatormay be based on a digital random signal generator having a digitaloutput. Alternatively, the random signal generator may be based onanalog random signal generator having an analog output. Analog randomsignal generator may use a digital random signal generator which outputis converted to analog using analog to digital converter, or can use arepetitive analog signal generator (substantially not synchronized toany other timing in the system) which output is randomly time sampled bya sample and hold. A random signal generator (having either analog ordigital output) can be hardware based, using a physical process such asthermal noise, shot noise, nuclear decaying radiation, photoelectriceffect or other quantum phenomena, or can be software based, using aprocessor executing an algorithm for generating pseudo-random numberswhich approximates the properties of random numbers.

A module includes one or more connectors for connecting to other modulesfor forming a system. In one aspect, each connector is used forconnecting to a single other module using a point-to-point connectionscheme. A connection may be input only, being operative only to receivean activation signal from the connected module, and thus including aline receiver connected to the connector for receiving the activationsignal. A connection may be output only, being operative only totransmit an activation signal to the connected module, and thusincluding a line driver connected to the connector for receiving theactivation signal. A connection may double as both input and outputfunctions, being operative both to transmit an activation signal to theconnected module by a line driver and to receive an activation signalfrom the connected module by a line receiver. The connection may usebalanced (e.g. RS-422 or RS-485) or single-ended communication (e.g.RS-232 or RS-423), using corresponding line driver and/or line receiver,and may use either level activation (‘active low’ or ‘active high’) oredge triggering (riding or trailing edge).

A module may include the payload functionality connected to an input (orinput/output connection), wherein the activation signal received fromthe line receiver initiates the payload functionality. Further, a modulemay include the payload functionality connected to an output (orinput/output connection), wherein the activation signal output from thepayload functionality is fed to the line driver and transmitted to theconnected module. Furthermore, a module that includes two or moreconnections may include multiple payload functionalities, each connectedbetween an input connection and an output connection of the module.

Modules may have different activation signal routing schemes. A basicslave module includes two connections (with payload functionalityconnected therebetween), and is operative to propagate an activationsignal between these connections. A splitter functionality, included forexample in a basic splitter module, involves receiving an activationsignal in a single connection and transmitting it (e.g., after a delayand/or payload functionality operation) to two or more connections. Aloopback functionality, included for example in a basic loopback module,involves transmitting of an activation signal to the connection it wasreceived from (e.g., after a delay and/or payload functionalityoperation). A master module include means, such as a manually operatedswitch, to produce an activation signal without receiving any suchactivation signal from a connected module, and thus initiates thepropagation of the activation signal in a system. A module may double toinclude various functionalities, such as a slave/splitter moduleincluding both slave and splitter functionalities, a master/loopbackmodule including both master and loopback functionalities, and amaster/splitter module including both master and splitterfunctionalities. The signal propagation within a module may use eitherlevel activation (‘active low’ or ‘active high’) or edge triggering(riding or trailing edge), or any combination thereof.

The propagation of the activation signal in the system may beunidirectional (e.g., simplex) using 1-way modules, operative to passthe activation signal only in one direction (from an upstream connectionto one or few downstream connections). In such system, the activationsignal is initiated in a master module, and then it propagates throughthe connected modules downstream (away from the master module) untilreaching the module (or the modules) connected only upstream, renderingthe system idle afterwards. The system remains idle until the sequenceis re-initiated by the master module, since each such initiationproduces a single propagation from the master module downstream.

The activation signal can be initiated by a switch, such as a humanoperated mechanical switch, which is housed in the master module orconnected thereto via a connector. Alternatively or additionally, themaster module may repetitively generate activation signal upon poweringup or controlled by the user (e.g. via a switch). Further, theactivation signal may be triggered by a physical phenomenon using anappropriate sensor, such as a sensor responsive to temperature,humidity, pressure, audio, vibration, light, motion, sound, proximity,flow rate, electrical voltage, and electrical current. The activationsignal may be generated in response to comparing the sensor output(after conditioning) with a set value. The sensor and its relatedcircuits (e.g. amplifier, comparator and reference generator) may bepartly or fully housed within the master module enclosure, or externalto it.

The propagation of the activation signal in the system may bebidirectional using 2-way modules, operative to pass the activationsignal in both directions (from an upstream connection to one or fewdownstream connections and from a downstream connection to one or fewupstream connections). The activation signal passing between two modulesmay be half-duplex or full duplex. Full duplex transmission may use adedicated wire pair for each direction, totaling four conductors.Alternatively, a hybrid circuitry may be used providing two-waycommunication over two conductors. In a 2-way system, the activationsignal is initiated in a master module, and then it propagates throughthe connected modules downstream (away from the master module) untilreaching the module (or the modules) having a loopback functionality.The loopback function reverts the propagation direction from downstreamto upstream towards the master module. Upon reaching the master modulethe system remains idle until the sequence is re-initiated by the mastermodule, since each such initiation produces a single propagation cyclefrom the master module downstream followed by a single upstream sequenceending in the master module. In the case wherein the master modulefurther includes a loopback functionality, the activation signal will bereverted downstream again, causing infinite system cycling downstreamand upstream.

A payload may be controlled by a control signal, which may be theactivation signal or depend on the activation signal, such that thepayload is activated when the control signal is active. Alternatively,the module may be latched and stays activated upon triggered by acontrol signal. Further, a payload may be toggle controlled, wherein thecontrol signal shifts the payload from a state to another state (orbetween two states such as ‘on’ and ‘off’) each time the control signalis active.

A module may be individually powered from a power source. The powersource may be integrated into the module enclosure, and can be abattery, either primary or rechargeable type, which may reside in abattery compartment. Alternatively, the power source may reside externalto the module enclosure, such as powering from AC power outlet viacommon AC/DC adapter containing a step-down transformer and an AC to DCconverter (rectifier). A DC/DC converter may be used in order to adaptthe power voltage from a source into one or more voltages used by thevarious module electrical circuits.

Alternatively, a remote powering scheme may be used, wherein a singleconnection to a power source may be used to power few or all of themodules in the system. A module is powered from the power carryingwires, and may supply the power to other modules connected to it. Thepower may be carried (either as AC or as DC power) to the modules in thesystem over wires connecting the modules. Dedicated power conductors maybe used, being separated from the wires used for propagating theactivation signal. The same connector may be used to connect to both thepower and the activation signals wires. Similarly, the same wire pair(or wire pairs) carrying the activation signal (or other data) may beconcurrently used to carry the power signal (either as AC or as DCpower). The activation signal and the power signal are concurrentlycarried over the same wires either using multiplexing such as frequencydivision multiplexing (FDM) wherein filters are used to separate and/orcombine the signals, or by using split-tap transformer or by usingphantom channel for carrying the power. In the case of remote powering,a powering functionality (either as a dedicated powering module orintegrated with another module functionality) is used in order toconnect to be fed from the power source, and to the system module (ormodules) in order to feed the power signal over the power wires, withoutinterfering with the activation signal propagation.

A payload associated with a module may be either housed within themodule enclosure, or be external to the module and connected to it via aconnector. Further, a payload may be powered from the same power sourceas the one powering the associated module, or may be powered from adedicated or separated power source. Payload activation may include itspowering by a switch connected between a power source and the payload,where the switch is activated based on the activation signal.

In one aspect of the invention, the payload control involves randomness.For example, a signal representing a value within a specified range isconnected to the payload for controlling it. The value can be randomlyselected upon power up and retained throughout the operation until themodule is de-energized, or can be selected each time the activationsignal is propagated through the module and is operative to activate thepayload. The randomness is based on a random signal generator, which maybe based on a digital random signal generator having a digital output oran analog output. Analog random signal generator may use a digitalrandom signal generator which output is converted to analog using analogto digital converter, or can use a repetitive analog signal generator(substantially not synchronized to any other timing in the system) whichoutput is randomly time sampled by a sample and hold. A random signalgenerator (having either analog or digital output) can be hardware basedusing a physical process, or can be software based, using an processorexecuting an algorithm for generating pseudo-random numbers whichapproximates the properties of random numbers.

The payload may be randomly inhibited from being activated (e.g. even inthe case of activation signal received in a module). The activation ofthe payload may dependent upon a random signal generator (analog ordigital), which output is compared (using analog or digital comparator)with a specified value (analog or digital reference). The specifiedvalue, and the probability of the random signal to generate a signalabove or below this value, determines the probability of activating thepayload. Further, multiple payload can be used, wherein a single (orfew) payloads are selected to be activated based on a random process.

A module may activate or control a single payload or plurality ofpayloads. The plurality of payloads can be all activated together inresponse to an activation signal, or alternatively may use differentdelays associated with each payload, generated by a distinct relatedtimer. Alternatively, one payload may be activated (or controlled) eachtime an activation signal is received. The activated payload may beselected sequentially or randomly. Further, a different payload may beselected based on the direction of the activation signal propagation inthe system.

Few or all the modules in a system can share the control of a single ora plurality of payloads. The wires used to activate or control theshared payload (or payloads) are connected in parallel (or serially) toall modules involved in the payloads control. The payloads control wirescan be routed along the system by dedicated connectors used to connecteach pair of modules connected for passing the activation signaltherebetween. Further, the same connectors used for connecting themodules for passing the activation signal (or the power signal, in thecase of remote powering) may be used to connect the payloadcontrol/activation wires, as part of the system wiring infrastructure.

The payload may be controlled by an analog signal port, such as analogvoltage, current or resistance. The analog signal port may be connectedvia the system wiring or externally to two or more modules, or to allmodules in the system, thus sharing the analog control capability. Uponactivation of a module, an analog signal is connected to the analogcontrol port for controlling the payload.

In one aspect of the invention a device for passing a signal from afirst device to a second device identical to the first device and forusing the signal to control a payload is described, the devicecomprising a first connector for connecting to the first device, a firstline receiver coupled to the first connector for receiving a firstsignal from the first device, a first timer coupled to the line receiverfor producing a second signal that is delayed by a first time periodfrom the first signal, a second connector, capable of mating with thefirst connector, configured to be connectable to the second device, afirst line driver coupled between the first timer and the secondconnector and operative to transmit the second signal to a line receiverof the same type as the first line receiver in the second device, acontrol circuit coupled to the first line receiver for generating acontrol signal is response to the first signal, the control circuithaving a control port couplable to control the payload by the controlsignal, and a single enclosure housing the first and second connectors,the first line receiver, the first line driver, the first timer and thecontrol port. The first line receiver may be operative to receive thefirst signal in an unbalanced signal form (such as substantiallyaccording to RS-232 or RS-423 standards), and the first line driver maybe operative to transmit the second signal in an unbalanced signal form(such as substantially according to RS-232 or RS-423 standards).Alternatively or additionally, the first line receiver may be operativeto receive the first signal in a balanced signal form (such assubstantially according to RS-422 or RS-485 standards), and the firstline driver may be operative to transmit the second signal in a balancedsignal form (such as substantially according to RS-422 or RS-485standards). The device may further include a firmware and a processorfor executing instruction embedded in the firmware, and the processormay be coupled to control the control port.

The control circuit may comprise a second timer for producing a controlsignal that is constituted by the first signal delayed by a second timeperiod, and each of the first and second timers may be an RC basedmonostable circuit or a delay line. Further, each of the first andsecond time periods may be set by a user.

The device may be used in combination with the payload, and the payloadmay be housed within the single enclosure and connected to the controlport to be controlled by the control signal. The control port may be aconnector that is connectable to control the payload.

In one aspect, the device may further comprise a third connector capableof mating with the first connector for connecting to a third deviceidentical to the second device, and a second line driver coupled betweenthe first timer and the third connector, the device may further beoperative to transmit the second signal to a line receiver of the sametype as the first line receiver in the third device. The device mayfurther comprise in its single enclosure a second timer coupled betweenthe first line receiver and the second line driver for producing a thirdsignal that is delayed by a second time period from the first signal,and the second line driver may be connected for transmitting the thirdsignal to the third device.

The device may further be operative for two way operation, and furthermay comprise a second line receiver coupled to the second connector forreceiving a third signal from the second device, and a second linedriver coupled to the first connector and to the second line receiverfor transmitting the third signal to the first device. Further, thedevice may comprise a second timer coupled between the second linereceiver and the second line driver for producing a fourth signal thatis delayed by a second time period from the first signal, and furtherthe second line driver may be connected for transmitting the thirdsignal to the first device. The control circuit may be coupled to thesecond line receiver and the control signal may be generated in responseto the third signal. The second signal may be carried over a first wirepair and the third signal may be carried over a second wire pairdistinct from the first wire pair, or alternatively the second and thirdsignals may be carried over the same single wire pair. In the lattercase, the device may comprise a three-port circuit (which may be basedon a hybrid circuit) coupled between the first line driver, the secondline receiver and the second connector, and the three-port circuit maybe operative to substantially pass only the second signal between thefirst line driver and the second connector and to substantially passonly the third signal between the second connector and the second linereceiver.

The device may comprise a power source (which may be housed in thedevice single enclosure) for powering the first line receiver, the firstline driver, and the first timer. The power source may be a primary typebattery or a rechargeable type battery, and the battery may be housed ina battery compartment. Further, the battery may feed a DC/DC convertercoupled to it. Alternatively or in addition, the device may be poweredfrom an external power source such as domestic AC power outlet, and mayfurther comprise a power connector for connecting to the power sourceand for powering the first line receiver, the first line driver, and thefirst timer from the power source. The device may further comprise anAC/DC adapter powered from the AC power outlet, and the AC/DC adaptermay comprise a step-down transformer and an AC/DC converter for DCpowering the device. Further, a payload (which may be in the singleenclosure) may be coupled to the power connector for being powered fromthe external power source.

Alternatively or in addition, the device may be adapted for remotepowering from the first device, wherein the first line receiver, thefirst line driver, and the first timer are coupled to be powered by apower signal from the first connector. The second connector may be alsocoupled to the power signal for supplying power to the second device.The power signal may be a DC power signal, and the device further maycomprise a DC/DC converter powered by the DC power signal from the firstconnector. The device may further comprise a power supply powered fromthe power signal, for powering the first line receiver, the first linedriver, and the first timer. The first signal may be carried over afirst wire pair and the power signal may be carried over a second wirepair distinct from the first wire pair, or alternatively the firstsignal and the power signal may be carried concurrently over the samewires. In the latter case, the device may further comprise a power/datasplitter/combiner coupled between the first line receiver, the firstconnector and the power supply, the power/data splitter/combiner beingoperative to substantially pass only the first signal between the firstline receiver and the first connector and to substantially pass only thepower signal between the first connector and the power supply.

The power signal and the first signal are carried together over the samewires using Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), where the powersignal is carried at a single frequency and the first signal is carriedin a frequency band distinct from the single frequency. The power/datasplitter/combiner may comprise a first filter operative to substantiallypass only the single frequency and a second filter operative tosubstantially pass only the frequency band. Alternatively or inaddition, the power/data splitter/combiner may comprise a center taptransformer and a capacitor connected between the transformer windings.In one aspect, the power signal and the first signal may be carriedusing a phantom channel, where the power signal is carried over thephantom channel formed by two center-tap transformers in the power/datasplitter/combiner.

In one aspect of the invention, the device comprises a power source(which may be in the device single enclosure) for powering the firstline receiver, the first line driver, and the first timer. The devicemay further comprise, or can be used with, a payload. The payload may bein the device single enclosure and may be powered from the power source.Alternatively or in addition, the device may comprise a payloadconnector connectable to the payload and being coupled to the powersource for powering the payload from the power source. The device mayfurther comprise electrically activated switch (connected to beactivated by the control port) that is connected between the payload andthe power source, for powering the payload upon activation of theelectrically activated switch by the control port.

The device may further comprise a random signal generator connected forcontrolling a parameter in the device allowing for device randomoperation. The random signal generator may be based entirely on hardwareand may be based on a physical process such as a thermal noise, a shotnoise, decaying nuclear radiation, a photoelectric effect and a quantumphenomenon. Alternatively or in addition, the random signal generatormay include software (such as an algorithm for generating pseudo-randomnumbers) and a processor executing the software, and may be coupled tothe first timer for controlling the delay introduced by it. Further, therandom signal generator may be coupled for controlling or activating thepayload. The random signal generator may be activated only at power upof the device for generating a single output value, or activated uponreceiving the first signal from the first line receiver. The randomsignal generator output may be used to activate a switch in the device.The device may further comprise a reference signal source (having analogor digital output) and a comparator (analog or digital) connected toprovide a digital logic signal based on comparing the random signalgenerator output and the reference signal source output. The randomsignal generator may provide an analog or digital output, the referencesignal source may provide an analog or digital signal output, and thecomparator may be an analog or digital comparator. The device may beused to control multiple payloads and may comprise a plurality ofreference signal sources and a plurality of comparators, wherein thecomparators are connected to provide digital logic signals based oncomparing the random signal generator output and the reference signalsource outputs, and the digital logic signals may be coupled to controlor activate a respective one of the multiple payloads.

In one aspect of the invention, a device for randomly delaying anactivation signal to a payload is described. The device may comprise afirst connector for connecting to a wiring, a line receiver coupled tothe first connector for receiving an activation signal from the wiring,a first timer coupled to the line receiver for producing a delayedactivation signal that is delayed by a first time period from theactivation signal, a control port couplable to activate the payload bycoupling the delayed activation signal to the payload, a random signalgenerator operative to output a random signal and being coupled tocontrol the delay produced by the first timer, and a single enclosurehousing the first connector, the line receiver, the first timer, therandom signal generator and the control port. The random signalgenerator may be based entirely on hardware and may be based on aphysical process such as a thermal noise, a shot noise, decaying nuclearradiation, a photoelectric effect and a quantum phenomenon.Alternatively or in addition, the random signal generator may includesoftware (such as an algorithm for generating pseudo-random numbers) anda processor executing the software, and may be coupled to the firsttimer for controlling the delay introduced by it.

In one aspect of the invention, a device for randomly activating apayload is described. The device may comprise a first connector forconnecting to a wiring, a line receiver coupled to the first connectorfor receiving an activation signal from the wiring, at least onepayload, a control port couplable to activate the payload by coupling acontrol signal to it, a first timer coupled between the line receiverand the control port for producing a control signal in response to theactivation signal being delayed by a controlled first time period, arandom signal generator operative to output a random signal, the randomsignal generator being coupled to control the delay of the first timer,a reference signal source for producing a reference signal, a comparatorcoupled to provide a digital logic signal based on comparing the randomsignal with the reference signal, the digital logic signal being coupledto the control port, and a single enclosure housing the first connector,the line receiver, the first timer, the reference signal source, thecomparator the control port and the random signal generator, wherein thecontrol port is operative to activate the payload in response to thedelayed activation signal received by the line receiver and the digitallogic signal. The random signal generator may be based entirely onhardware and may be based on a physical process such as a thermal noise,a shot noise, decaying nuclear radiation, a photoelectric effect and aquantum phenomenon. Alternatively or in addition, the random signalgenerator may include software (such as an algorithm for generatingpseudo-random numbers) and a processor executing the software, and maybe coupled to the first timer for controlling the delay introduced byit. The random signal generator may provide an analog output or adigital number output, the reference signal source may provide analogsignal output or a digital number output, and the comparator may be adigital or analog comparator. The device may be couplable to controlmultiple payloads, and further comprise a plurality of reference signalsources and plurality of comparators, the comparators are connected toprovide digital logic signals based on comparing the random signalgenerator output and the reference signal source outputs, and thedigital logic signals are couplable to control or activate a respectiveone of the multiple payloads.

In one aspect according to the invention, a set of at least threemodules or devices connectable to form a system for sequentiallyactivating payloads is described. The set may comprise first, second andthird modules or devices (which may be identical to one another), eachmodule being associated with a respective payload, and being housed in arespective single enclosure, each module may comprise a first typeconnector and a second type connector, all of the first type connectorsbeing identical to one another, all of the second type connectors beingidentical to one another, and each of the first type connectors beingconfigured to mate with any one of the second type connectors, and eachof the modules further comprises a control port for controlling anassociated payload, wherein the second connector of the first module isconnectable to the first connector of the second module and the secondconnector of the second module is connectable to the first connector ofthe third module to form a system, and further wherein each module inthe system may be operative to receive a first signal at the first typeconnector, to control the associated payload based on the first signal,to produce a second signal that is a time delayed version (which may berandomly selected within a specified range) of the first signal, and totransmit the second signal to the second type connector. The first andsecond modules may be mechanically attachable to each other and thethird and second modules may be mechanically attachable to each other(such as only by the connectors). Each of the payloads is housed withinthe single enclosure of the associated module, or alternatively thepayloads may be external to the single enclosure of each associatedmodule, where each module comprises a third connector for connecting tothe associated payload. Each module may comprise, in its singleenclosure, a power source for powering the module, such as a primarytype battery or a rechargeable type battery. A payload (which may behoused in the module single enclosure) may be powered from the powersource.

The system may be formed when the second connector of the first moduleis connected to the first connector of the second module and the secondconnector of the second module is connected to the first connector ofthe third module. The first signals and the second signals may becarried between the modules in the system as balanced or unbalancedsignals. The system may support two-way operation where each module maybe further operative to receive a third signal at the second connector,to control the associated payload based on the third signal, to producea fourth signal that is a time delayed version of the third signal, andto transmit the fourth signal to the first connector. The communicationbetween two connected modules may be carried out using four conductors,including two conductors for each direction of communication, or may useonly two conductors (e.g., using hybrid circuit). The system may bepowered from a single external power source such as domestic AC power,and each module may further comprise in its respective single enclosurea payload that is powered from the external power source. Further, themodules may be connected to supply power from one module to anothermodule connected to the one module.

In one aspect of the invention, the device may comprise or used with apayload (which may be in the device enclosure). The payload may be anannunciator for issuing an to announcement using visual signaling. Suchvisual signaling device may be a smoke generator or a visible lightemitter such as a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp, or afluorescent lamp. The visible light emitter may be adapted for a steadyillumination and for blinking, and may be mounted for illuminating atheme or shape of the device a part of or all of an image, or beassociated with a theme or shape of the device. Alternatively or inaddition, the payload may an annunciator for issuing an announcement anaudible signaling using an audible signaling device such as anelectromechanical or a piezoelectric sound generator (e.g. a buzzer, achime, or a ringer). Alternatively or in addition, the audible signalingdevice may comprise a loudspeaker and a digital/analog converter coupledto the loudspeaker, and may be operative to generate a single tone ormultiple tones (or musical tunes). Further, the sound emitted from theaudible signaling device may be associated with the device theme orshape, or may emit sound which is a characteristic sound a householdappliance, a vehicle, an emergency vehicle, an animal or a musicalinstrument. Furthermore, the sound emitted from the audible signalingdevice may be a song, a melody, or a human voice talking, such as asyllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story, or a long story,based on speech synthesis or pre-recorded sound.

The payload may comprise a visual signaling device which may contain avisible light emitter based on a semiconductor device (e.g. LED—LightEmitting Diode), an incandescent lamp or a fluorescent lamp. Theillumination may be blinking or steady, and can further be used toilluminate part of the module or the system or both. The visible lightemitter positioning, appearance, type, color or steadiness may beassociated with the module or system theme or shape.

The payload may comprise an audible signaling device which may be basedon electromechanical or piezoelectric means capable of generating singleor multiple tones, and can be a buzzer, a chime or a ringer. In oneaspect of the invention, the audible signaling device comprising aloudspeaker and a digital to analog converter coupled to theloudspeaker. The volume, type, steadiness, pitch, rhythm, dynamics,timbre or texture of the sound emitted from the audible signaling devicemay be associated with the module or system theme or shape.Alternatively, the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is asong or a melody, wherein the song or melody name or content relates tothe module or system theme or shape. In one aspect, the sound emittedfrom the audible signaling device is a human voice talking sounding of asyllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story or a long story,using speech synthesis or being pre-recorded.

The above summary is not an exhaustive list of all aspects of thepresent invention. Indeed, the inventor contemplates that his inventionincludes all systems and methods that can be practiced from all suitablecombinations and derivatives of the various aspects summarized above, aswell as those disclosed in the detailed description below andparticularly pointed out in the claims filed with the application. Suchcombinations have particular advantages not specifically recited in theabove summary.

It is understood that other embodiments of the present invention willbecome readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description, wherein are shown and described only embodimentsof the invention by way of illustration. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other and different embodiments and its severaldetails are capable of modification in various other respects, allwithout departing from the scope of the present invention as defined bythe claims. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to beregarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

The above and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description, drawingsand appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the inventionas set forth hereinafter. It is intended that all such additionalapparatus and advantages be included within this description, be withinthe scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

The preferred embodiments of the invention presented here are describedbelow in the drawings and detailed specification. Unless specificallynoted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specificationand the claims be given the plain, ordinary and accustomed meaning tothose of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. If any other specialmeaning is intended for any word or phrase, the specification willclearly state and define the special meaning.

Likewise, the use of the words “function” or “means” in theSpecification or Description of the Drawings is not intended to indicatea desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6,to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C.112, Paragraph 6 are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, theclaims will specifically state the phrases “means for” or “step for,”and will clearly recite a function, without also reciting in suchphrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Evenwhen the claims recite a “means for” or “step for” performing a definedfunction, if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts insupport of that means or step, or that perform the function, then theintention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6 areinvoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that theinventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material oracts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition,include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform theclaimed function, along with any and all known or later-developedequivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimedfunction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is herein described, by way of non-limiting example only,with reference to the accompanying figures and drawings, wherein likedesignations denote like elements. Understanding that these drawingsonly provide information concerning typical embodiments of the inventionand are not therefore to be considered limiting in scope:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic timing diagram relating to a slave moduleaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systemaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 5a illustrates a schematic timing diagram relating to a systemaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 5b, 5c, 5d and 5e illustrate a schematic timing table relating toa system according to various aspects of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a splittermodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a splittermodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a splittermodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a splittermodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a splittermodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of aslave/splitter module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systemaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systemaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 14a illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a mastermodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 14b illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a mastermodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a mastermodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a mastermodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systememploying a master module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systememploying a master module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 18a illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systememploying a master module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 19, 19 a and 19 b illustrate a schematic electrical diagram ofpart of a master module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 20, 20 a, 20 b and 20 c illustrate a schematic electrical diagramof part of a 2-way slave module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 21, 21 a and 21 b illustrate a schematic electrical diagram ofpart of a 2-way slave module having a single payload according to anaspect of the invention;

FIG. 21c illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a 2-wayslave module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 21d illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of twoconnected 2-way slave modules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 21e illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a 2-wayslave module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systemusing 2-way slave modules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 22a, 22b and 22c illustrate a schematic timing table relating to asystem according to various aspects of the invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a loopbackmodule according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systemusing 2-way slave modules, a master module and a loopback moduleaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 24a, 24b and 24c illustrate a schematic timing table relating to a2-way system according to various aspects of the invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a 2-waysplitter module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 25a illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a 2-wayslave/splitter module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 25b illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a 2-wayslave/splitter module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systemusing 2-way slave modules, a master module, a 2-way slave/splittermodule and a loopback module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 26a illustrates a schematic timing table relating to a 2-way systemaccording to various aspects of the invention;

FIG. 27 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systemusing 2-way slave modules, a master module, a 2-way slave/splittermodule and a loopback module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 27a illustrates a schematic timing table relating to a 2-way systemaccording to various aspects of the invention;

FIG. 28 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a 2-waymaster module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systemusing 2-way slave modules, a 2-way master module and a loopback moduleaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 29a illustrates a schematic timing table relating to a 2-way systemaccording to various aspects of the invention;

FIG. 29b illustrates a schematic timing table relating to a 2-way systemaccording to various aspects of the invention;

FIG. 30 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a 2-waymaster module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 31 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systemusing 2-way slave modules, a 2-way splitter module, a 2-way mastermodule and a loopback module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 31a illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a systemusing 2-way slave modules, a 2-way splitter module and two 2-way mastermodules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 32 illustrates schematic timing diagrams relating to a payloadcontrol according to various aspects of the invention;

FIG. 32a illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a moduleaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 32b illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a moduleaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 33 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of abattery-powered slave module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 33a illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of anexternally-powered slave module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 34 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of aremotely-powered slave module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 35 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of abattery-powered powering module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 36 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of anexternally powered powering module according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 37 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of anAC-powered powering module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 38 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of the powerrelated circuits of a splitter module according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 39 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of the powerrelated circuits of a master module according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 40 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a remotepowered system using 2-way slave modules, a master module, a poweringmodule, a 2-way slave/splitter module and a loopback module according toan aspect of the invention;

FIG. 41 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of the powerrelated circuits of an AC powered powering/master module according to anaspect of the invention;

FIG. 42 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of the powerrelated circuits of a battery powered powering/master module accordingto an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 43 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a remotelypowered slave module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 44 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a poweringmodule for a remote powered system according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 45 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of apowering/master module for a remote powered system according to anaspect of the invention;

FIG. 46 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a loopbackmodule for a remote powered system according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 47 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of apower/data splitter/combiner for a remote powered system according to anaspect of the invention;

FIG. 48 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of apower/data splitter/combiner for a remote powered system according to anaspect of the invention;

FIG. 49 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of apower/data splitter/combiner for a remote powered system according to anaspect of the invention;

FIG. 50 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule for a remote powered system according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 51 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule for a remote powered system according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 52 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule for a remote powered system powering external payload accordingto an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 53 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule for a remote powered system controlling external payloadaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 54 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule for a remote powered system controlling external payloadaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 55 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule for a remote powered system controlling and powering externalpayload according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 56 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule using random delay according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 57 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule using random delay according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 58 and 58 a illustrate a schematic electrical diagram of part of aslave module using random delay according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 59 and 59 a illustrate a schematic electrical diagram of part of aslave module using random payload control according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 59b illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule using random payload selection according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 60 depicts a perspective pictorial top view of a module enclosureaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 61 depicts a perspective pictorial top view of two slave modulesaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 61a depicts a perspective pictorial side view of two slave modulesaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 62 depicts a perspective pictorial side view of two connected slavemodules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 62a depicts a perspective pictorial top view of three connectedslave modules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 63 and 63 a depict a perspective pictorial top view of twosplitter modules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 64 depicts a perspective pictorial top view of a battery-poweredslave module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 64a and 64b depict a perspective pictorial top view an AC-poweredmaster module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 65 and 65 a depict a perspective pictorial top view of a systemincluding a master module and three slave modules according to an aspectof the invention;

FIGS. 66 and 66 a depict a perspective pictorial top view of a systemincluding a master module and a splitter module according to an aspectof the invention;

FIGS. 67 and 67 a depict a perspective pictorial top view of a systemincluding a master module, two splitter modules and slave modulesaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 68 and 68 a depict a perspective pictorial top view an AC-poweredmaster/splitter module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 69 depicts a perspective pictorial top view of a triangle-shapedAC-powered master/splitter module according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 70 depicts a perspective pictorial top view of a system including amaster/splitter module connected to three branches according to anaspect of the invention;

FIG. 71 depicts a perspective pictorial top view of a square-shapedAC-powered master/splitter module according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 72 depicts a perspective pictorial top view of a system including amaster/splitter module connected to four branches according to an aspectof the invention;

FIG. 73 depicts a perspective pictorial top view of a round-shapedAC-powered master/splitter module according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 74 depicts a perspective pictorial top view of a system including amaster/splitter module connected to five branches according to an aspectof the invention;

FIGS. 75 and 75 a depict a perspective pictorial view of a duck shapedmodules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 76 depicts a perspective pictorial view of a system including duckshaped modules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 77 and 77 a depict perspective pictorial views of a locomotive andtrain-car shaped modules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 78 and 78 a depict perspective pictorial views of a train shapedsystem according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 79 depicts pictorial views of a slave module using LEGO® stripsaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 80, 80 a and 80 b depict pictorial views of connected slave moduleusing LEGO® strips according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 81 depicts a perspective pictorial view of a master module withLEGO® strips according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 82 depicts a perspective pictorial view of a system using a mastermodule with LEGO® strips according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 83 depicts a perspective pictorial view of a system using a mastermodule with LEGO® strips according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 84 depicts a perspective pictorial view of a slave module withmultiple payloads and user controls according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 85 depicts a perspective pictorial view of a 3-D system accordingto an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 86 depicts a perspective pictorial view of a 3-D system accordingto an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 87 depicts a perspective pictorial view of a traffic-lights shaped3-D system according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 88 depicts a perspective pictorial view of a signage system exampleaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 89 depicts a perspective pictorial view of a signage system exampleaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 90 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of a slavemodule connected to control multiple payloads according to an aspect ofthe invention;

FIG. 91 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of slavemodules connected to control multiple payloads according to an aspect ofthe invention;

FIG. 92 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of slavemodules connected to control multiple payloads according to an aspect ofthe invention;

FIG. 93 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of slavemodules connected to control a payload according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 93a illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of slavemodules connected to a control a payload according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 94 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of slavemodules connected to control a payload according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 95 illustrates a schematic electrical diagram of part of slavemodules connected to control a sound generator according to an aspect ofthe invention;

FIG. 96 depicts a perspective pictorial view of music slave modulesaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 96a depicts a perspective pictorial view of connected music slavemodules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 97 and 97 a depict a perspective pictorial view of music slavemodules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 97b depicts a perspective pictorial view of connected music slavemodules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 98 depicts a perspective front pictorial view of a drum-beating toyconnected to a slave module according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 98a depicts a perspective rear pictorial view of a drum-beating toyaccording to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 98b depicts a perspective rear pictorial view of drum-beating toyslave modules according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 98c depicts a perspective rear pictorial view of drum-beating toyslave module connected to slave modules according to an aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 99 depicts a perspective front pictorial view of a cymbals-beatingtoy connected to a slave module according to an aspect of the invention;and

FIG. 99a depicts a perspective rear pictorial view of a cymbals-beatingtoy according to an aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The principles and operation of a system according to the presentinvention may be understood with reference to the figures and theaccompanying description wherein similar components appearing indifferent figures are denoted by identical reference numerals. Thedrawings and descriptions are conceptual only. In actual practice, asingle component can implement one or more functions; alternatively,each function can be implemented by a plurality of components andcircuits. In the figures and descriptions, identical reference numeralsindicate those components that are common to different embodiments orconfigurations. Identical numerical references (even in the case ofusing different suffix, such as 5, 5 a, 5 b and 5 c) refer to functionsor actual devices that are either identical, substantially similar orhaving similar functionality. It will be readily understood that thecomponents of the present invention, as generally described andillustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in awide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following moredetailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus, system, andmethod of the present invention, as represented in the figures herein,is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but ismerely representative of embodiments of the invention.

All directional references used herein (e.g., upper, lower, upwards,downwards, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below,vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise, etc.) are onlyused for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding ofthe present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as tothe position, orientation, or use of the invention. The terms ‘left’,‘former’, ‘upwards’ and ‘upstream’ herein refer to a direction (such asa signal flow or signal direction) towards a master module. Similarly,the terms ‘right’, ‘downwards’, ‘downstream’ and ‘next’ refer to adirection or flow (such as signal flow or signal direction) away fromthe master module.

While the modules herein are described as connected using wires orconductors, any type of conductive transmission line can be equallyused. The terms ‘wire’, ‘conductor’, ‘line’, ‘transmission line’,‘cable’, ‘wiring’, ‘wire pair’ as used herein should be interpreted toinclude any type of conductive transmission-line, and specifically ametallic transmission line comprising two or more conductors used tocarry electrical signals. Non-limiting examples are coaxial cable, PCB(Printed Circuit Board) connections and twisted pair, the latterincluding both UTP (Unshielded Twisted-Pair) and STP (shieldedtwisted-pair), as well as connections within Application SpecificIntegrated Circuits (ASICs). Similarly, any PAN (Personal Area Network),LAN (Local Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) or WAN (WideArea Network) wiring may be used as the wired medium. Further, themodules may be connected directly by plugging mating connectors, withany cable or wiring connected between the connectors.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic electrical diagram of a slave module 10according to one embodiment of the invention. An activation signal isreceived from a former module over conductors 11 a and 11 b viaconnector 19, and received by line receiver 12. The line receiver 12typically converts the received signal to the logic levels used by themodule internal digital logic circuits (e.g., CMOS, TTL, LSTTL andHCMOS). The conductors 11 a and 11 b may be individual wires or bundledin a cable connecting slave module 10 with the former module. In theexample shown, slave module 10 is connected to the former module using apoint-to-point connection and employing a balanced interface circuit.For example, industry standard TIA/EIA-422 (a.k.a. RS-422) can be usedfor the connection, and the line receiver 12 may be an RS-422 compliantline receiver, such as RS-422 receiver MAX3095, available from MaximIntegrated Products, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., U.S.A., described in thedata sheet “±15 kV ESD-Protected, 10 Mbps, 3V/5V, Quad RS-422/RS-485Receivers” publication number 19-0498 Rev.1 10/00, which is incorporatedin its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

American national standard ANSI/TIA/EIA-422-B (formerly RS-422) and itsinternational equivalent ITU-T Recommendation V.11 (also known as X.27),are technical standards that specify the “electrical characteristics ofthe balanced voltage digital interface circuit”. These technicalstandards provide for data transmission, using balanced or differentialsignaling, with unidirectional/non-reversible, terminated ornon-terminated transmission lines, point to point. Overview of theRS-422 standard can be found in National Semiconductor Application Note1031 publication AN012598 dated January 2000 and titled:“TIA/EIA-422-BOverview” and in B&B Electronics publication “RS-422 and RS-485Application Note” dated June 2006, which are incorporated in theirentirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. While shown inFIG. 1 as un-terminated, a termination may be connected to the linereceiver 12 inputs (typically a resistor with resistance matching thewiring characteristic impedance), in order to avoid reflections forsupporting high data rate and long distances.

Alternatively, in order to improve the common-mode noise rejectioncapability and to allow higher data rates, a balanced and differentialinterface is preferably used, as described above regarding using RS-422in module 10 shown in FIG. 1. For simplicity sake, the specificationdescribes only a balanced interface (with the exception of module 40shown in FIG. 4). However, unbalanced interface may be equally used.

The line receiver 12 outputs a digital signal ‘IN’ to TIMER1 14 overconnection 13. TIMER1 14 delays the incoming signal ‘IN’ for apre-determined period ‘t1’ , and produces a delayed signal ‘TRIG’ overconnection 15. This delay allows for internal activities within theslave module 10 and the activation of payload 25 to start only after apre-determined interval of time ‘t1’ has lapsed from the activityrelated to the former module. In an embodiment where such delay may notbe required, the TIMER1 14 may be omitted and the line receiver 12 maybe connected directly to TIMER2 16, or alternately the TIMER1 is set tominimum or zero time delay (t1=0). The signal ‘TRIG’ is received byTIMER2 16, which in turn produces a signal ‘GATE’ over connection 22 fora pre-determined period ‘t2’. The signal ‘GATE’ is connected as acontrol to activate payload 25. The signal ‘GATE’ is also connected to aline driver 18, which is preferably a mating driver to the line receiver12. For example, the balanced interface line driver 18 may be an RS-422driver such as RS-422 transmitter MAX3030E, available from MaximIntegrated Products, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., U.S.A., described in thedata sheet “±15 kV ESD-Protected, 3.3V Quad RS-422 Transmitters”publication number 19-2671 Rev.0 10/02, which is incorporated in itsentirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. The line driver18 is feeding conductors 11 c and 11 d via connector 21, connecting theslave module 10 to the next module. The line driver 18 typicallyconverts the logic levels used by the module internal digital logiccircuits (e.g., CMOS, TTL, LSTTL and HCMOS) to a signal to betransmitted. The next module can start its operation upon activation ofthe ‘GATE’ signal (hence immediately after the delay period of ‘t1’), oralternately after the ‘GATE’ signal is de-activated (hence after aperiod of t1+t2).

The slave module 10 operation thus involves activating the payload 25(via signal ‘GATE’) for a period of t2, after a delay of a period of t1starting at reception of a signal from the former module, and signalingthe next module concurrently with or after the end of the activation ofthe payload 25.

The transfer of information such as the activation signal between twomodules commonly makes use of a line driver for transmitting the signalto the conductors serving as the transmission medium connecting the twomodules, and a line receiver for receiving the transmitted signal fromthe transmission medium. The communication may use a proprietaryinterface or preferably an industry standard, which typically definesthe electrical signal characteristics such as voltage level, signalingrate, timing and slew rate of signals, voltage withstanding levels,short-circuit behavior, and maximum load capacitance. Further, theindustry standard may define the interface mechanical characteristicssuch as the pluggable connectors and pin identification and pin-out. Inone example, the module circuit can use an industry or other standardused for interfacing serial binary data signals. Preferably the linedrivers and line receivers and their associated circuitry will beprotected against electrostatic discharge (ESD), electromagneticinterference (EMI/EMC) and against faults (fault-protected), and employsproper termination, failsafe scheme and supports live insertion.Preferably, a point-to-point connection scheme is used, wherein a singleline driver is communicating with a single line receiver. However,multi-drop or multi-point configurations may as well be used. Further,the line driver and the line receiver may be integrated into a single IC(Integrated Circuit), commonly known as transceiver IC.

In one example, the transmission is unbalanced (single-sided), as shownfor slave module 40 shown in FIG. 4, and employing a single-sided linereceiver 43 receiving the activation signal carried over wire 11 a withrespect to ground 11 b via connector 41, as well as a single-sided linedriver 44 transmitting the activation signal to wire 11 c with respectto ground wire 11 d via connector 42. Such transmission scheme may bebased on the serial binary digital data standard Electronic IndustriesAssociation (ETA) and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)EIA/TIA-232, also known as Recommended Standard RS-232 and ITU-T (TheTelecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) of the InternationalTelecommunication Union (ITU)) V.24 (formerly known as CCITT StandardV.24). Similarly, RS-423 based serial signaling standard may be used.For example, RS-232 transceiver MAX202E may be used, available fromMaxim Integrated Products, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., U.S.A., describedin the data sheet “±12 kV ESD-Protected, +5V RS-232 Transceivers”publication number 19-0175 Rev.6 3/05, which is incorporated in itsentirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Each of the timers may be implemented as a monostable circuit, producinga pulse of set length when triggered. In one example, the timers arebased on RC based popular timers such as 555 and 556, such as ICM7555available from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif.,U.S.A., described in the data sheet “General Purpose Timers” publicationnumber 19-0481 Rev.2 11/92, which is incorporated in its entirety forall purposes as if fully set forth herein. Examples of general timingdiagrams as well as monostable circuits are described in ApplicationNote AN170 “NE555 and NE556 Applications” from Philips semiconductorsdated 12/1988. Alternatively, a passive or active delay line may beused. Further, a processor based delay line can be used, wherein thedelay is set by its firmware.

A schematic timing diagram 20 of the slave module 10 is shown in FIG. 2.Referring to FIG.1 and FIG. 2, chart ‘IN’ 26 shows the signal ‘IN’ 13,chart ‘TRIG’ 27 shows the signal ‘TRIG’ 15, and chart ‘GATE’ 28 showsthe signal ‘GATE’ 22. The trailing edge of the signal ‘IN’ 13(active-low) triggers TIMER1 14 (active-high) to produce the signal‘TRIG’ 15 for a period of t1. After the lapsing of the t1 period, thetrailing edge of the signal ‘TRIG’ 15 triggers TIMER 2 16 to produce thesignal ‘GATE’ 22 (active-high) for a period of t2. It is apparent toanyone skilled in the art that all signals described herein may beeither ‘active low’ (wherein activation or logical-true is representedby a low electrical signal) or ‘active high’(wherein activation orlogical-true is represented by an high electrical signal), and thatsignaling can be based on trailing or rising transitions of signals.

The slave module 10 has been exampled in FIG. 1 to include the payload25 as an integral part of the slave module 10. In one embodiment, thepayload 25 can be external to the housing of a module. FIG. 3 shows aslave module 30 wherein the payload 25 is external to the slave module30, and connected thereto via connector 31 connecting the signal ‘GATE’22 to the payload 25. In such configuration, the flexibility ofconnecting various types of payload 25 is provided.

In one embodiment, the pre-set time periods t1 and t2 are identical toall modules in the systems, allowing for similar (or identical) timingschemes uniformly executed in the system, and for a system built fromidentical or interchangeable modules. In an alternative embodiment, one,few or all of the modules in the system have individually set timeperiods, allowing the flexibility of different settling time periodseffecting the operation of modules or adapting the periods foractivating individual payloads. Further, each timer with a module may beindividually set. In the latter case, the time period produced by anindividual timer in an individual module can be continuously adjusted,for example to obtain any time period selected within the 0 to 20seconds range. In one example, the adjusting mechanism is based on apotentiometer, which resistance value impacts the set time period, asshown for slave module 30 shown in FIG. 3, illustrating potentiometer 32connected to control the time period t1 associated with TIMER1 14. Thepotentiometer 32 may be a linear potentiometer or a logarithmicpotentiometer. In an alternative embodiment, the time period of a timeris selected from few discrete values. For example, the time period maybe selected from 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 seconds. Such configuration isexampled relating to TIMER2 16 in slave module 30 shown in FIG. 3. Tworesistors R1 34 a and R2 34 b are shown, connected via switch 33, whichselects only one of the resistors, to affect the time period t2 producedby TIMER2 16. The different resistance value of each of the resistorsthat is selected by the switch 33 results in a different time periodset. It is apparent that any timer in any module may use eithercontinuous or discretely selected time periods.

The slave module 30 shown in FIG. 3 is shown to have an integratedpotentiometer 32 and an integrated switch 33 for locally setting thetime period of the timers 14 and 16. Alternatively, the time setting maybe remotely controlled, by a device external to the module being set. Inone alternative embodiment, the slave module 30 is set via a deviceconnected thereto. In one example, a module may be controlled by anothermodule connected to it directly or via the system, such as setting froma central module (e.g., a master module). Further, one timer in a slavemodule may be locally set while the other timer is remotely set.

In the example of slave module 40 shown in FIG. 4, two control signals‘t1 Control’ and ‘t2 Control’ are used for remotely setting the timeperiod of the timers. The slave module 40 connects via connector 41 tothe former module to receive the ‘t1 Control’ control signal over wire11 e, which is connected to TIMER1 14 for setting its time period.Similarly, the slave module 40 connects via connector 41 to the formermodule to receive the ‘t2 Control’ control signal over wire 11 f, whichis connected to TIMER2 16 for setting its time period. The two signals‘t1 Control’ and ‘t2 Control’ are further being passed to the respectivewires 11 g and 11 h via connector 42 for passing these control signal tothe next module. This mechanism allows setting and changing the timeperiods of few or all modules from a central module (e.g., a mastermodule) by propagating the control signals from module to module overthe system. The time period setting information carried over the controlsignals may use analog amplitude (e.g., proportional or logarithmicvoltage/current representing the desired value), Pulse Wide Modulation(PWM), digital data representing the value or any other encoding ormodulation scheme. Further, each signal line may use a distinctrepresentation scheme.

A system (or a sub-system) 50 is shown in FIG. 5, including fourconnected slave modules 10 a, 10 b, 10 c and 10 d. Each slave module isbased on slave module 10 shown in FIG. 1, or based on slave module 30shown in FIG. 3, or alternatively based on slave module 40 shown in FIG.4. The slave modules are connected using point-to-point topology,wherein each connection connects two, and only two slave modules. Slavemodule 10 a contains connector 19 a for connecting to a former modulevia wires 11 a and 11 b, and connects to the next slave module 10 b viawires 11 c and 11 d connected to the connector 21 a. Slave module 10 bcontains connector 19 b for connecting to the former slave module 10 avia wires 11 c and 11 d, and connects to the next slave module 10 c viawires 11 e and 11 f connected to connector 21 b. Slave module 10 ccontains connector 19 c for connecting to the former slave module 10 bvia wires 11 e and 11 f, and connects to the next slave module 10 d viawires 11 g and 11 h connected to connector 21 c. Slave module 10 dcontains connector 19 d for connecting to the former slave module 10 cvia wires 11 g and 11 h, and can connect to the next slave module viaconnector 21 d. During operation, activation signals received by slavemodule 10 a over wires 11 a and 11 b activate the payload (after adelay, if implemented) in the slave module 10 a (or connected to slavemodule 10 a). At later stage, the activation signal is propagated toactivate the payload associated with slave module 10 b, and sequentiallyto slave modules 10 c and 10 d.

A timing diagram 55 of the system 50 of FIG. 5 is shown in FIG. 5a . Thesignal IN_a 51 is received by slave module 10 a via wires 11 a and 11 b,and its trailing edge triggers a timer for producing signal TRIG_a 52 inslave module 10 a, resulting in a signal for a period of t1. Thetrailing edge of the signal TRIG_a 52 triggers the signal GATE_a 53 inslave module 10 a, which is used to activate the payload associated withslave module 10 a for a period t2. The signal GATE_a 53 is transmittedto the next slave module 10 b over wires 11 c and 11 d, and the trailingedge of signal GATE_a 53 triggers a timer in slave module 10 b toproduce signal TRIG_b 56 for a period of t1. The trailing edge of thesignal TRIG_b 56 triggers the signal GATE_b 57 in slave module 10 b,which is used to activate the payload associated with slave module 10 bfor a period t2. The signal GATE_b 57 is transmitted to the next slavemodule 10 c over wires 11 e and 11 f, and the trailing edge of signalGATE_b 57 triggers a timer in slave module 10 c to produce signal TRIG_c58 for a period of t1. The trailing edge of the signal TRIG_c 58triggers the signal GATE_c 59 in slave module 10 c, which is used toactivate the payload associated with slave module 10 c for a period t2.Similarly, the activation signals propagate via the system sequentiallyactivating the payloads in the slave modules according to the connectionscheme, wherein each slave module activates its own payload and send therelevant activation information to the next connected slave module.

The sequential operation of the payloads associated with the connectedslave modules is schematically shown as table 65 in FIG. 5b . Column 62a relates to the time lapsed in the system, wherein each row 61 a-g isassociated with a time period of operation of a specific one of theslave modules, starting with receiving an activation signal (e.g.,triggering timer1, such as TRIG signal rising in FIG. 5a ) untilsignaling the next module to be activated (e.g., end of timer2 period,such as trailing edge of the GATE signal in FIG. 5a ). In the example ofsystem 50, four slave modules are connected, wherein column #1 62 b isassociated with the payload of slave module 10 a, column #2 62 c isassociated with the payload of slave module 10 b, column #3 62 d isassociated with the payload of slave module 10 c, and column #4 62 e isassociated with the payload of slave module 10 d. TIME=0 row 61 arelates to the time before receiving any activation signal in the slavemodules, and thus all payloads are in an ‘OFF’ state. As a result ofreceiving an activation signal by slave module 10 a, the associatedpayload is activated, represented as ‘ON’ in TIME=1 row 61 b. Upontimer2 16 expiration in the slave module 10 a, the payload isdeactivated and reverts to ‘OFF’ state. Similarly, as a result ofreceiving an activation signal by slave module 10 b, the payload isactivated, represented as ‘ON’ in TIME=2 row 61 c. Next, the payload ofslave module 10 b is deactivated and reverts to ‘OFF’ state. Next, as aresult of receiving an activation signal by slave module 10 c, themodule payload is activated, represented as ‘ON’ in TIME=3 row 61 d,followed by deactivation of the payload of slave module 10 c (reverts to‘OFF’ state). Next, as a result of receiving activation signal by slavemodule 10 d, the payload is activated, represented as ‘ON’ in TIME=4 row61 e, followed by deactivation of the payload of slave module 10 d(reverts to ‘OFF’ state). At stages TIME=5 61 f and TIME=6 61 g, nopayload is activated (all in ‘OFF’ state), reverting to the originalTIME=0 61 a idle status.

The system 50 operation was exemplified in FIGS. 5a and 5b regarding asingle activation signal propagating sequentially in the system fromslave module 10 a, to slave modules 10 b, 10 c and ending in 10 d. Inanother example shown in table 66 in FIG. 5c , two activation signalsare concurrently distributed over the system. Until the state in TIME=2in row 61 c, the table is the same as table 65. In TIME=3, an additionalactivation signal is received by slave module 10 a, hence the payloadassociated with slave module 10 a is re-activated, as shown in ‘ON’state relating to module #1 column 62 b in TIME=3 in row 61 d. Next, theactivation signal is propagating to the next slave module 10 b, turningits payload again to ‘ON’ state shown in TIME=4 row 61 e relating tocolumn #2 62 c in the table 66. Next, the activation signal ispropagating to the next slave module 10 c, turning its payload to ‘ON’state shown in TIME=5 row 61 f relating to column #3 62 d in the table66. The sequence stops after re-activating the next slave module 10 d,turning its payload to ‘ON’ state shown in TIME=6 row 61 g relating tocolumn #4 62 e in the table 66.

In the examples above, the payload 25 associated with a slave module 10was described as being activated as long as the GATE signal 22 producedby timer2 16 is active. In an alternative embodiment of a module or of apayload, the payload 25 is triggered to start its action by the GATE 22signal produced by the timer2 16, but then stays activated. The payload25 may stay activated indefinitely, or as long as power is suppliedthereto. Alternatively, the payload 25 activation may be terminatedafter a pre-set time period, either by using another timer in the moduleor as part of the payload. In yet another alternative, the payload 25may be deactivated by another control, internal or external to thepayload 25.

Table 67 in FIG. 5d is based on table 65 shown in FIG. 5b , howevertable 67 shows the payload 25 status in the case wherein the payloadstays activated after being triggered by the GATE 22 signal. The table67 shows that the payloads associated with the slave modules staysactivated (‘ON’ state) once they have been triggered.

In one embodiment, the payload is toggle controlled, wherein eachtriggering event causes the payload to switch to an alternate state, forexample by using a toggle switch. Table 68 in FIG. 5e is based on table66 shown in FIG. 5c , however shows the toggle-controlled payload 25status. For example, the status of the payload associated with slavemodule #3 is shown in column 62 d. The first activation in TIME=3 in row61 d activates the payload into ‘ON’ state, and the payload stays inthis state through TIME=4 in row 61 e. In TIME=5 shown in row 61 fanother activation signal is produced as a result of a second activationsignal propagated via the system, and the second activation signalshifts the payload back to the ‘OFF’ state. In this mechanism, the nextactivation signal will re-activate the payload.

The system 50 shown in FIG. 5 provides the example of slave modulesconnected in cascade, wherein each slave module is connected to activatea single next slave module. Alternatively, a system can be formed suchthat a module (such as a slave module) is connected to simultaneouslyactivate multiple slave modules. A splitting functionality may be usedin order to propagate the activation from a single module to a pluralityof modules. An exemplary splitter module 60 is shown in FIG. 6. Splittermodule 60 is connected to a former module (which may be any module, suchas a slave module) using wires 11 a and 11 b via connector 19. Thesplitter module 60 can be connected to three next modules via threeconnections. The first connection to a next module uses wires 11 c and11 d via connector 21 a, the second connection to a second next moduleuses wires 11 e and 11 f via connector 21 b, and the third connection toa third next module uses wires 11 g and 11 h via connector 21 c. Whilethe examples herein refer splitting to three next modules, it isapparent that splitter modules (such as module 60) may equally supporttwo, four or any other number of connections, by having the appropriatenumber of downstream connectors and associated circuitry.

In the example of splitter module 60 shown in FIG. 6, the three outgoingconnections (via connectors 21 a, 21 b and 21 c) are connected directlyto the incoming connector 19, so that the received signal is just splitand fed unchanged simultaneously to the outgoing connections. Suchconfiguration may be used in the case of a driver (such as the balancedline driver 18 or the unbalanced line driver 44) capable of drivingmultiple receivers (such as balanced line receiver 12 or unbalanced linereceiver 43 respectively). For example, RS-422 standard supports such apoint-to-multipoint scheme. An alternative splitter module 70 is shownin FIG. 7, containing a receiver 12 for receiving and constructing the‘IN’ signal 13, and feeding the ‘IN’ signal 13 to three line drivers 18a, 18 b and 18 c, connected respectively to the three connectors 21 a,21 b and 21 c. In this configuration, the activation signal is received,and repeated by being re-transmitted without any signal splitting. Analternative splitter module 80 is shown in FIG. 8, containing a receiver12 for receiving and constructing the ‘IN’ signal 13, and feeding the‘IN’ signal 13 to a single line driver 18, connected in parallel to thethree outgoing connectors 21 a, 21 b and 21 c. In this configuration,the activation signal is reconstructed and repeated to all theconnections.

In another example, the splitter module contains the timingfunctionalities of a slave module. Such a splitter module 90 is shown inFIG. 9. Splitter module 90 is based on splitter module 70 shown in FIG.7, added to the timers used in slave module 10. The signal ‘IN’ 13 isdelayed first by TIMER1 14 producing the signal ‘TRIG’ 15, which in turnfeeds TIMER2 16. The delayed signal is simultaneously transmitted to thethree next modules via connectors 21 a, 21 b and 21 c. The activationsignal is thus delayed similar to the delay introduced by a slavemodule, before being propagated simultaneously to the next modules.While two timers TIMER1 14 and TIMER2 16 are disclosed, a single timermay also be used to introduce a delay in the activation signalpropagation. In yet another example, a different delay may be introducedto each of the next connected modules. Such a splitter module 100 isshown in FIG. 10. Splitter module 100 is based on splitter module 90shown in FIG. 9, where a set of timers is connected in the pathconnecting to each of the outgoing connections. TIMER1 14 a produces adelayed activation signal ‘TRIG’ 15 a, fed to TIMER2 16 a for creatingadditional delay, and the delayed signal is transmitted to wires 11 cand 11 d via line driver 18 a. Hence, the delay introduced from theinput to the module connected to wires 11 c and 11 d is dependent uponthe settings of timers TIMER1 14 a and TIMER2 16 a only. Similarly,TIMER1 14 b produces a delayed activation signal ‘TRIG’ 15 b, fed toTIMER2 16 b for creating additional delay, and the delayed signal istransmitted to wires 11 e and 11 f via line driver 18 b. Hence, thedelay introduced from the input to the module connected to wires 11 eand 11 f is dependent upon the settings of timers TIMER1 14 b and TIMER216 b only. Further, TIMER1 14 c produces a delayed activation signal‘TRIG’ 15 c, fed to TIMER2 16 c for creating additional delay, and thedelayed signal is transmitted to wires 11 g and 11 h via line driver 18c. Hence, the delay introduced from the input to the module connected towires 11 g and 11 h is dependent upon the settings of timers TIMER1 14 cand TIMER2 16 c only. The time delays in each of the three paths may beidentical, similar or substantially distinct from the other paths.

In one example, the slave module and the splitter functionalities arecombined into a single slave/splitter module. Such a slave/splittermodule 110 is shown in FIG. 11. Slave/splitter module 110 includes allthe slave module 10 functionalities. Added to the line driver 18 a(representing driver 18 shown in FIG. 1) connected to wires 11 c and 11d via connector 21 a (representing connector 21 shown in FIG. 1), twoadditional drivers 18 b and 18 c are connected to the ‘GATE’ signal 22,respectively connected to connectors 21 b and 21 c for connecting to thenext modules via wire set 11 e, 11 f and set 11 g, 11 h.

An example of a system 120 including a splitter module 60 is shown inFIG. 12. An activation signal is carried over wires 11 a and 11 b andreceived by slave module 10 a via connector 19 a. The activation signalpropagates from slave module 10 a via connector 21 a over wires 11 c and11 d to splitter module 60 incoming connector 19 e. The activationsignal then propagates into three distinct paths. The first pathincludes connection from splitter module 60 connector 21 e to slavemodule 10 b connector 19 b over wires 11 c and 11 d. The second pathincludes connection from splitter module 60 connector 21 f to slavemodule 10 c connector 19 c over wires 11 g and 11 h. The third pathincludes connection from splitter module 60 connector 21 g to slavemodule 10 d connector 19 d over wires 11 i and 11 j. Since splittermodule 60 shown in FIG. 6 does not introduce any delay, the activationsignal is simultaneously and without delay transmitted to the threeslave modules 10 b, 10 c and 10 d. Splitter module 60 in FIG. 12 may besubstituted with splitter module 70 shown in FIG. 7 or with splittermodule 80 shown in FIG. 8. In another example, splitter module 60 inFIG. 12 may be substituted with splitter module 90 shown in FIG. 9, thusintroducing a delay in the activation signal propagation via thesplitter module 90. Similarly, splitter module 60 in FIG. 12 may besubstituted with splitter module 100 shown in FIG. 10, thus introducingan individual delay in each of the distribution paths. Further, splittermodule 60 in FIG. 12 may be substituted with slave/splitter module 110shown in FIG. 11, thus both introducing a delay and further activating apayload 25 associated with the slave/splitter 110. The slave modules 10b, 10 c and 10 d may be further connected downstream to additional slaveor splitter modules. The modules connected in system 120 are connectedin point-to-point topology, wherein each wiring connects two and onlytwo modules, each connected to one end of the wiring, allowing easyinstallation and superior communication performance.

An example of a system 130 including two splitter modules 60 a and 60 bis shown in FIG. 13, wherein splitter module 60 b is replacing slavemodule 10 d of system 120. An activation signal is carried over wires 11a and 11 b and received by slave module 10 a via connector 19 a. Theactivation signal propagates from slave module 10 a via connector 21 aover wires 11 c and 11 d to splitter module 60 a incoming connector 19e. The activation signal then propagates into three distinct paths. Thefirst path includes the connection from splitter module 60 a connector21 e to slave module 10 b connector 19 b over wires 11 c and 11 d. Thesecond path includes the connection from the splitter module 60 aconnector 21 f to slave module 10 c connector 19 c over wires 11 g and11 h. The third path includes connection from splitter module 60 aconnector 21 g to splitter module 60 b connector 19 f over wires 11 iand 11 j. The splitter module 60 b may be further connected downstreamvia each of its connectors 21 h, 211 and 21 j. In one example, bothsplitter modules 60 a and 60 b are identical, for example based onsplitter module 60 shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, each of the splittermodules 60 a and 60 b may be independently substituted with any of thedescribed splitter modules or slave/splitter module. While the system130 was shown in FIG. 13 to include two splitter (or slave/splitter)modules, any number of splitter modules may be used. Further, a systemmay be formed using only splitter modules, and any combination of slave,splitter, and slave/splitter modules may be formed.

Slave and splitter modules acts as repeaters that repeat activationsignals received from former modules to next modules. The activationsignal in the system is generated in a master module. The core functionof a master module is to transmit a trailing edge signal serving as anactivation signal (such as the ‘IN’ signal 51 shown in FIG. 5a ) to theconnected module or modules (being slave or splitter modules). A basicmaster module 140 is shown in FIG. 14a , containing a line driver 18transmitting to wires 11 c and 11 d via connector 21. A switch 141 isconnected to the line driver 18 input, so that upon activation of theswitch 141 (for example, by pressing a push button switch) an activationsignal is transmitted over wires 11 c and 11 d to a module connectedthereto. FIG. 14b shows a master module 145 including timing and payloadfunctionalities similar to a slave module. The structure of the mastermodule 145 is based on the structure of the slave module 10 shown inFIG. 1, wherein the activation is not triggered by a former module butrather by the switch 141 connected for triggering TIMER1 14 instead ofthe ‘IN’ signal 13. Such a master module 145 allows for payload 25activation in the same scheme as in a slave module.

Master module 145 shown in FIG. 14b above provides the example of asingle downstream connection connected to activate a single next slave(or splitter) module. Alternatively, a master module may include asplitting functionality so that it can be connected to simultaneouslyactivate multiple slave (or splitter or any combination thereof)modules. An exemplary master module 150 is shown in FIG. 15 which iscapable of activating three downstream connected modules. While theexamples herein refer to activating three next modules, it is apparentthat master modules may equally activate two, four or any other numberto of connections, by having the appropriate number of downstreamconnectors and associated circuitry. The master module 150 is based onthe master module 145 structure shown in FIG. 14b . Added to the driver18 a (representing line driver 18 of master module 145 shown in FIG. 14b), the ‘GATE’ signal 22 is fed in parallel to line driver 18 b, which isin turn connected to connector 21 b for transmitting to the next modulevia wires 11 e and 11 f, and to line driver 18 c, which is in turnconnected to connector 21 c for transmitting to the next module viawires 11 g and 11 h. Such construction allows for simultaneoustransmission of the activation signal to the three modules (such asslave or splitter modules) via connectors 21 a, 21 b and 21 c.

Another example of a master module 160 is shown in FIG. 16, whereindelayed timers TIMER1 14 and TIMER2 16 are connected between the ‘GATE’signal 22 (which also serves as the ‘IN’ signal 13) and the line drivers18, enabling different delays in each of the three downstream paths.TIMER1 14 a is fed from the ‘GATE’ signal 22 produced by the TIMER2 16,and produces the delayed signal ‘TRIG’ 15 a, which in turn triggersTIMER2 16 a connected to line driver 18 a for transmitting to wires 11 cand 11 d via connector 21 a. TIMER1 14 b is fed from the ‘GATE’ signal22 produced by the TIMER2 16, and produces the delayed signal ‘TRIG’ 15b, which in turn triggers TIMER2 16 b connected to line driver 18 b fortransmitting to wires 11 e and 11 f via connector 21 b. Similarly,TIMER1 14 c is fed from the ‘GATE’ signal 22 produced by the TIMER2 16,and produces the delayed signal ‘TRIG’ 15 c, which in turn triggersTIMER2 16 c connected to line driver 18 c for transmitting to wires 11 gand 11 h via connector 21 c. Three distinct paths are thus formed, eachvia different set of timers, and thus can be individually set for adifferent delay.

A system 170 employing a master module 140 is shown in FIG. 17. System170 is based on system 50 shown in FIG. 5, wherein slave module 10 a issubstituted with master module 140 shown in FIG. 14a . System 170 is aself-contained system, wherein upon activation of the switch 141 in themaster module 140, the activation signal is propagating sequentially toslave module 10 b, then to slave module 10 c, and ending with slavemodule 10 d. The payloads 25 in the slave module in the system 170 arethus activated one after the other, according to connection order of theslave modules. Similarly, a system 180 employing a master module 140 isshown in FIG. 18. System 180 is based on system 130 shown in FIG. 13,wherein slave module 10 a is substituted with master module 140 shown inFIG. 14a . System 180 is a completed system wherein upon activation ofthe switch 141 in the master module 140, the activation signal ispropagating to splitter module 60 a, and sequentially in parallel toslave module 10 b, slave module 10 c, and splitter module 60 b. Themaster module 145 shown in FIG. 14b may be equally employed in systems170 and 180 instead of the illustrated master module 140. In this case,a delay is introduced by the timers between activating switch 141 inmaster module 145 and the activation signal transmission over the mastermodule 145 outgoing connection. Further, the payload 25 in master module145 will be the first payload to be activated in the system. In bothsystems, a repeated activation of the switch 141 in the master modulewill initiate another activation signal to be propagated through thesystem.

An exemplary system 185 employing a master module 160 is shown in FIG.18a . When pressing the switch 141 in master module 160, the payload 25in master module 160 is first activated (after the time delay determinedby timers 14 and 16 in the master module 160). The activation signal isthen split into three paths. The first path involves propagation of theactivation signal to slave module 10 b via connector 21 e and wires 11 cand 11 d. The signal is received by slave module 10 b via its incomingconnector 19 b, and consequentially transmitted to the splitter module60 b via connector 21 b and wires 11 i and 11 j. The activation signalis received by splitter module 60 b via its connector 19 f, andconsequentially split into three paths via connectors 21 h, 211 and 21j. The second path involves propagation of the activation signal toslave module 10 c via connector 21 f and wires 11 g and 11 h. The thirdpath involves propagation of the activation signal to slave module 10 dvia connector 21 g and wires 11 e and 11 f. The activation signal isreceived by slave module 10 d via its connector 19 d, andconsequentially transmitted from connector 21 d of slave module 10 d toslave module 10 a via its connector 19 a and wires 11 a and 11 b.

In one aspect of the invention, the master module is autonomous andfree-running and is not dependent upon manual activation of a humanuser. In one example, the TIMER1 14 is an a stable multi-vibrator thatrepetitively periodically generates activation pulses (as if the switch141 is repetitively activated). The activation pulses can be providedimmediately after the master module is powered on or may be dependent tostart upon user activation (e.g., by the switch 141, serving as enablingswitch to start the activation signals train). Further, the activationsignal may be generated based on Time-Of-Day (TOD). In thisconfiguration, a master module is set to generate an activation signalat a specific time of the day. For example, a master module can be setto communicate on a daily basis at 2:00 AM. In such a case, every day at2:00 AM the master module will commence activation by generating anactivation signal. Further, the master module can be set to activate aplurality of times during a 24-hour day, or alternatively, to commenceactivation less frequently than daily, such as once a week, once a monthand so forth. In one example, the master module contains a real-timeclock that keeps a track of the time, and stores (preferably innon-volatile memory) the parameter of the time of day wherein theactivation signal should be initiated.

In one example, the activation is initiated external to the mastermodule, rather than by a switch 141 as shown in FIGS. 14-16. Such amaster module 190 is shown in FIG. 19, which is exampled based on themaster module 150 shown in FIG. 15. The switch 141 is external to themaster module 190 enclosure, and connected to activate the TIMER1 14 viaconnector 191. Such configuration allows for remote initiation of themaster module 190, and thus activation of the related system.

In one example, the system is triggered in response to a physicalphenomenon, as a substitute or in addition to any manual or automaticactivation. Such a master module 195 is shown in FIG. 19a . The timer114 is initiated (or enabled) by an electrically controlled switch 193,replacing or supplementing the manual switch 141. The sensor 194provides an output in response to a physical, chemical, or biologicalphenomenon. For example, the sensor 194 may be a thermistor or aplatinum resistance temperature detector, a light sensor, a pH probe, amicrophone for audio receiving, or a piezoelectric bridge. The sensoroutput is amplified by amplifier 192. Other signal conditioning may alsobe applied in order to improve the handling of the sensor output, suchas attenuation, delay, filtering, amplifying, digitizing and any othersignal manipulation. The comparator 593 activates the switch 193 (andthus initiates an activation signal) based on comparing between thesensor output (amplified and/or conditioned) and a reference voltage592, providing a set reference voltage signal. For example, the sensorcan be a temperature sensor, and the reference voltage 592 is set to 30°C. As such, a single activation signal (or starting or a train ofactivation pulses) will be triggered upon sensing of a temperature above30° C. Similarly, digital equivalent circuitry may be used, wherein thesensor provides digital value, the comparator 593 is replaced with adigital comparator, and the reference voltage 592 is replace with aregister or another memory storing a digital value.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensor 194 is external to the mastermodule enclosure, as shown in FIG. 19b , wherein the sensor 194 isconnected to the master module 199 via connector 196. In such scenario,the master module 199 is initiated based on a value measured at a remotelocation. Similarly, the amplifier 192, the comparator 593 and thevoltage reference 592 can be, each or all, external to the master modulecasing.

The modules and systems above exampled a unidirectional propagation ofthe activation signal, typically starting at the master module anddistributed only downstream away from the master module. In anotherexample, the propagation of the activation signal may be bi-directional.An example of a slave module 200 supporting two-way routing is shown inFIGS. 20, 20 a and 20 b. The slave module 200 basically contains twounidirectional slave modules, each connected to propagate the activationsignal opposite to the other. The slave module 200 is shown to containtwo functionalities of the slave module 10 shown in FIG. 1. Anactivation signal received in connector 19 from wires 11 a and 11 b isrouted via a line receiver 12 a producing ‘IN’ signal 13 a, connected toTIMER1 14 a, which produces a delayed signal ‘TRIG’ 15 a fed to TIMER216 a, which in turn activates payload 25 a via ‘GATE1’ signal 22 a, alsoconnected to line driver 18 a connected to connector 21 for supplyingthe activation signal over wires 11 c and 11 d. The line receiver 12 a,IN’ signal 13 a, TIMER1 14 a, signal ‘TRIG’ 15 a, TIMER2 16 a, PAYLOAD125 a, ‘GATE1’ signal 22 a, and line driver 18 a respectively correspondto slave module 10 line receiver 12, ‘IN’ signal 13, TIMER1 14, signal‘TRIG’ 15, TIMER2 16, payload 25, ‘GATE’ signal 22, and line driver 18.As such, any activation signal received from a former module will intime activate PAYLOAD1 25 a, and will be output after a set delay to thenext module. The slave module 200 further contains the line receiver 12b, ‘IN’ signal 13 b, TIMER3 14 b, signal ‘TRIG’ 15 b, TIMER4 16 b,PAYLOAD2 25 b, ‘GATE2’ signal 22 b, and line driver 18 b, whichrespectively correspond to slave module 10 line receiver 12, ‘IN’ signal13, TIMER1 14, signal ‘TRIG’ 15, TIMER2 16, payload 25, ‘GATE’ signal22, and line driver 18. The latter set is connected to carry signalsfrom the next module over the wires 11 c and 11 d via connector 21 tothe former module over wires 11 a and 11 b via connector 19.

The slave module 200 acts as a two-way repeater, wherein an activationsignal received from upstream activates PAYLOAD1 25 a and is repeateddownstream, while an activation signal received from downstreamactivates PAYLOAD2 25 b and is repeated upwards. In order to avoid anoutgoing activation signal to be received as false input, TIMER2 16 aprovides ‘INHIBIT 23’ signal to TIMER3 14 b over connection 201 forinhibiting the activation as a result of the receipt of an input whenGATE1 22 a signal is transmitted to the next module. Similarly, TIMER416 b provides ‘INHIBIT41’ signal to TIMER1 14 a over connection 202 forinhibiting the timer operation upon receipt of an input when GATE2 22 bsignal is transmitted to the former module. Alternatively, the outgoingsignal may be connected to the line receiver to inhibit its operationupon transmitting to the corresponding connection. Such a 2-way slavemodule 209 is shown in FIG. 20c . The outgoing ‘GATE1’ signal 22 aserves also as ‘INHIBIT 212’ signal connected over connection 207 toline receiver 12 b, for inhibiting any output by the receiver 12 b whenline driver 18 a is transmitting. Similarly, the outgoing ‘GATE2’ signal22 b serves also as ‘INHIBIT 412’ signal connected over connection 208to line receiver 12 a, for inhibiting any output by the receiver 12 awhen line driver 18 b is transmitting.

The timing and payload functionalities of the 2-way slave module 200 canbe arranged into a sub-module 205 designated as ‘payload & Timing Block’shown in FIG. 20a . The downstream path from port A 206 a includesreceiving the ‘IN’ signal 13 a, which is transmitted as delayed signal‘GATE1’ 22 a to port B 206 b. The downstream path includes TIMER1 14 a,TIMER2 16 a, PAYLOAD 25 a and the connections therebetween. Similarly,the upstream path from port D 206 d includes receiving the ‘IN’ signal13 b, which is transmitted as delayed signal ‘GATE2’ 22 b to port C 206c. The upstream path includes TIMER3 14 b, TIMER4 16 b, PAYLOAD 25 b andthe connections therebetween. The 2-way slave module 200 is shown inFIG. 20b to be formed from the sub-module 205, which connected via therespective transmitters and receivers to the corresponding connectors,thus forming the functionalities of the slave module 200 shown in FIG.20.

The 2-Way slave module 200 shown in FIG. 20 showed an example of havingtwo payloads designated as PAYLOAD1 25 a and PAYLOAD2 25 b. The firstpayload is activated upon receiving a downstream propagated activationsignal and the latter payload being activated by the upstream propagatedactivation signal. Alternatively, a single payload can be used,activated by either the upstream or the downstream activation signalpropagated via the 2-way slave module. Such a 2-way slave module 210 isshown in FIG. 21, including a payload 25 being operated by an activationsignal received in either direction. The two payload 25 activationsignals ‘GATE1’ 22 a and ‘GATE2’ 22 b signals are being or-ed by the‘OR’ gate 211, to produce a ‘GATE12’ signal 22 c connected foractivation of the payload 25. In this scheme the existence of either‘GATE1’ 22 a or ‘GATE2’ 22 b activation signal will cause activation ofthe payload 25 via ‘GATE12’ 22 c activation signal. Similarly, otherlogical functions such as ‘AND’, ‘NOR’, ‘EXCLUSIVE-OR’ may beimplemented by using other gates as a substitute or as addition to the‘OR’ gate 211.

The timing and payload functionalities of the 2-way slave module 210 canbe arranged into a sub-module 215 designated as ‘payload & Timing Block’shown in FIG. 21a . The downstream path from port A 206 a includesreceiving the ‘IN’ signal 13 a, which is transmitted as delayed signal‘GATE1’ 22 a to port B 206 b. The downstream path includes TIMER1 14 a,TIMER2 16 a, and the connections therebetween. Similarly, The upstreampath from port D 206 d includes receiving the ‘IN’ signal 13 b, which istransmitted as delayed signal ‘GATE2’ 22 b to port C 206 c. The upstreampath includes TIMER3 14 b, TIMER4 16 b and the connections therebetween.The two ‘GATE’ signals are or-ed by the ‘OR’ gate 211 to activate thepayload 25. The 2-way slave module 210 is shown in FIG. 21b to be formedfrom the sub-module 215, which connected via the respective transmittersand receivers to the corresponding connectors, thus forming thefunctionalities of the 2-way slave module 210 shown in FIG. 20.

The 2-way communication interface may use the EIA/TIA-485 (formerlyRS-485), which supports balanced signaling and multipoint/multi-dropwiring configurations. Overview of the RS-422 standard can be found inNational Semiconductor Application Note 1057 publication AN012882 datedOctober 1996 and titled: “Ten ways to Bulletproof RS-485 Interfaces”,which is incorporated in their entirety for all purposes as if fully setforth herein. In this case, RS-485 supporting line receivers and linedriver are used, such as for example, RS-485 transceiver MAX3080 may beused, available from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. of Sunnyvale,Calif., U.S.A., described in the data sheet “Fail-Safe, High-Speed (10Mbps), Slew-Rate-Limited RS-485/RS-422 Transceivers” publication number19-1138 Rev.3 12/05, which is incorporated in its entirety for allpurposes as if fully set forth herein.

The activation signal or any other communication between two connectedmodules may use half-duplex, wherein the transmission is in bothdirections, but only in one direction at a time or full-duplex.Alternatively, the transmission may be full duplex, allowingsimultaneous data or activation signal transmission in both directions.An example of a 2-way slave module 216 supporting full-duplex is shownin FIG. 21c . The connection between the modules involves fourconductors grouped into two conductor pairs, wherein each pair iscarrying a signal only in one direction. Line receiver 12 a is connectedto receive activation signal from an upstream module via connector 19over wires 11 a and 11 b. Line driver 18 b is connected to transmitactivation signal to an upstream module via connector 19 over wires 11 a1 and 11 b 1. Since different transmission paths are used, theindependent signals may be carried in either direction. Similarly, linereceiver 12 b is connected to receive activation signal from adownstream module via connector 21 over wires 11 c 1 and 11 d 1, andline driver 18 a is connected to transmit activation signal to adownstream module via connector 21 over wires 11 c and 11 d. View 217 inFIG. 21d shows the connection between 2-way slave modules 216 a and 216b, each built according to module 216. The line driver 18 a of module216 b transmits only to line receiver 12 a of module 216 a via wires 11a and 11 b. Similarly, the line driver 18 b of module 216 a transmitsonly to line receiver 12 b of module 216 b via wires 11 a 1 and 11 b 1.

In another example, the 2-way simultaneous signal propagation (such asfull-duplex) is provided over two conductors using hybrid circuitry,similar to the telephone hybrids that are used within the PublicSwitched Telephone Network (PSTN) wherever an interface between two-wireand four-wire circuits is needed. A two-wire circuit has both speechdirections on the same wire pair, as exemplified by the usual POTS homeor small business telephone line. Within the telephone network,switching and transmission are almost always four-wire with the twosides being separated. The fundamental principle is that of impedancematching. The send signal is applied to both the telephone line and a‘balancing network’ that is designed to have the same impedance as theline. The receive signal is derived by subtracting the two, thuscanceling the send audio. Early hybrids were made with transformersconfigured as hybrid coils that had an extra winding which could beconnected out of phase. The name ‘hybrid’ comes from these specialmixed-winding transformers. A hybrid may use passive (commonly resistorsbased) or active (power-consuming) circuitry. A hybrid circuit commonlyhas three ports: a ‘T/R’ port for connecting to the wire pair carryingsignals in both ways; an ‘R’ port extracting received signal from thewire pair; and a ‘T’ port for receiving the signal to be transmitted tothe wire pair.

A 2-way slave module 218 based on a hybrid scheme is shown in FIG. 21e .The hybrid 219 b is handling the upstream connection and is connectedbetween the line driver 18 b, line receiver 12 a and connector 19. The‘T/R’ port is connected to the wire pair 11 a and 11 b connecting to amodule upstream. The ‘R’ port extracts the signal received and isconnected to line receiver 12 a, and the ‘T’ port injects the signal tobe transmitted and is connected to line driver 18 b. Similarly, thehybrid 219 a is handling the downstream connection and is connectedbetween the line driver 18 a, line receiver 12 b and connector 21. The‘T/R’ port is connected to the wire pair 11 c and 11 d connecting to amodule downstream. The ‘R’ port extracts the signal received and isconnected to line receiver 12 b, and the ‘T’ port injects the signal tobe transmitted and is connected to line driver 18 a. Examples of hybridcircuits are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,877,028, 3,970,805,4,041,252, 4,064,377 and 4,181,824, which are all incorporated in theirentirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

A system 220 formed by 2-way slave modules 200 is shown in FIG. 22.System 220 is based on system 50 shown in FIG. 5, wherein the one-wayslave modules 10 are replaced with the 2-way slave modules, each basedon the 2-way slave module 200 shown in FIG. 20. Alternatively, slavemodules based on the 2-way slave module 210 shown in FIG. 21 may beused. The 2-way slave modules are connected using point-to-pointtopology, wherein each connection connects two, and only two slavemodules. The 2-way slave module 200 b contains connector 19 b forconnecting to a former 2-way slave module via wires 11 c and 11 d, andconnects to the next 2-way slave module 200 c via wires 11 e and 11 fconnected to connector 21 b. The 2-way slave module 200 c containsconnector 19 c for connecting to the former 2-way slave module 200 b viawires 11 e and 11 f, and connects to the next 2-way slave module 200 dvia wires 11 i and 11 j connected to connector 21 c. The 2-way slavemodule 200 d contains connector 19 d for connecting to the former 2-wayslave module 200 c via wires 11 i and 11 j, and can connects to the next2-way slave module over wires 11 k and 11 l via connector 21 d.

During operation, an activation signal received by 2-way slave module200 b over wires 11 c and 11 d activates the payload (after a delay, ifimplemented) in the 2-way slave module 200 b (or connected to slavemodule 200 b). At a later stage, the activation signal is propagated toactivate the payload associated with the 2-way slave module 200 c, andsequentially to the 2-way slave module 200 d. System 220 supportsbi-directional signal flow, and thus an activation signal received fromthe next 2-way module over the wires 11 k and 11 l will propagateupwards. The activation signal received by 2-way slave module 200 d overwires 11 k and 11 l activates the payload (after a delay, ifimplemented) in the 2-way slave module 200 d (or connected to slavemodule 200 d). At a later stage, the activation signal is propagatedupstream to activate the payload associated with the 2-way slave module200 c, and sequentially to the 2-way slave module 200 b.

The timing diagram 221 of system 220 is shown in FIG. 22a ,corresponding to the unidirectional system timing diagram 65 shown inFIG. 5b . Column 62 a relates to the time lapsed in the system, whereineach row 61 a-j is associated with a time period of operation of aspecific one of the 2-way slave modules, starting with receiving anactivation signal until signaling the next module to be activated. Inthe example of system 220, three 2-way slave modules are connected,wherein column #1 62 c is associated with the one of the payloads of the2-way slave module 200 b, column #2 62 d is associated with the payloadof slave module 200 c, column #3 62 e is associated with the payload ofslave module 200 d. From TIME=0 61 a to TIME=4 61 e is an example of adownstream propagation, similar to the one-way system 50. TIME=0 row 61a relates to the time before receiving any activation signal in theslave modules, and thus all payloads are in ‘OFF’ state. As a result ofreceiving activation signal by 2-way slave module 200 b, its payload(the downstream payload 25 a shown for 2-way slave module 200 or thepayload 25 of 2-way slave module 210) is activated, represented as ‘ON’in TIME=1 row 61 b. Upon timer2 16 a expiration in slave module 200 b,the payload is deactivated and reverts to ‘OFF’ state. Similarly, as aresult of receiving activation signal by slave module 200 c, its payload(the downstream payload 25 a shown for 2-way slave module 200 or thepayload 25 of 2-way slave module 210) is activated, represented as ‘ON’in TIME=2 row 61 c. Next, the payload of slave module 200 c isdeactivated and reverts to ‘OFF’ state. Next, as a result of receivingactivation signal by 2-way slave module 200 d, its payload (thedownstream payload 25 a shown for 2-way slave module 200 or the payload25 of 2-way slave module 210) is activated, represented as ‘ON’ inTIME=3 row 61 d, followed by deactivation of the payload of 2-way slavemodule 200 d (reverts to ‘OFF’ state). At stages TIME=4 61 e, no payloadis activated (all in ‘OFF’ state), reverting to the original TIME=0 61 aidle status.

From TIME=5 61 f to TIME=8 61 l is an example of an upstreampropagation. TIME=4 row 61 e relates to the time before receiving theupstream activation signal by the 2-way slave modules, and thus allpayloads are in ‘OFF’ state. As a result of receiving activation signalby 2-way slave module 200 d, its payload (the downstream payload 25 bshown for 2-way slave module 200 or the payload 25 of 2-way slave module210) is activated, represented as ‘ON’ in TIME=5 row 61 f. Upon timer216 b expiration in slave module 200 d, the payload is deactivated andreverts to ‘OFF’ state. Similarly, as a result of receiving activationsignal by 2-way slave module 200 c, its payload (the downstream payload25 b shown for 2-way slave module 200 or the payload 25 of 2-way slavemodule 210) is activated, represented as ‘ON’ in TIME=6 row 61 g. Next,the payload of slave module 200 c is deactivated and reverts to ‘OFF’state. Next, as a result of receiving activation signal by 2-way slavemodule 200 b, its payload (the downstream payload 25 b shown for 2-wayslave module 200 or the payload 25 of 2-way slave module 210) isactivated, represented as ‘ON’ in TIME=7 row 61 h, followed bydeactivation of the payload of 2-way slave module 200 b (reverts to‘OFF’ state). At stages TIME=4 61 e and at TIME=9 61 j, no payload isactivated (all in ‘OFF’ state), reverting to the original TIME=0 61 aidle status.

Each of payload 25 a and 25 b shown as part of 2-way slave module 200may be of the type that stays activated after being triggered by thecorresponding GATE signal, as was exampled above in table 67 in FIG. 5d. Similarly, the payload 25 shown as part of 2-way slave module 210 maybe of the type that stays activated after being triggered by thecorresponding GATE signal. A timing diagram in table 222 shown in FIG.22b corresponds to 2-way slave module 200 based system where the twopayloads 25 a and 25 b are each of the type that stays activated afterbeing triggered. Since payload 25 a is activated upon receiving adownstream activation signal, the payload 25 a in the 2-way slave module200 b is activated in TIME=1 row 61 b and stays activated, and similarlythe payload 25 a in the 2-way slave modules 200 c and 200 d arerespectively activated in TIME=2 row 61 c and TIME=3 row 61 d and staysactivated thereafter (noted as ON1 in table 222). Since payload 25 b isactivated upon receiving an upstream activation signal, the payload 25 bin the 2-way slave module 200 d is activated in TIME=5 row 61 f andstays activated, and similarly the payload 25 b in the 2-way slavemodules 200 c and 200 b are respectively activated in TIME=6 row 61 gand TIME=7 row 61 h and stays activated thereafter together with thepayload 25 a (noted as ON12 in table 222).

In one embodiment, the payload 25 a or the payload 25 b of slave module200 (or both) are toggle controlled, wherein each triggering eventcauses the payload to switch to an alternate state, for example by usinga toggle switch, similar to the one-way associated table 68 in FIG. 5e .A timing diagram in table 223 shown in FIG. 22c corresponds to thesystem 220 employing 2-way slave module 210 where the payload 25 is of atoggle type. In this case, any activation signal, either downstream orupstream, will switch the payload 25 of the corresponding 2-way slavemodule to an alternate state. The first activation in TIME=1 in row 61 bactivates the payload 25 in the 2-way slave module 210 b (replacingmodule 200 b in system 220) into ‘ON’ state, and the payload stays inthis state through TIME=6 in row 61 g, where the upstream activationsignal will toggle the payload into an ‘OFF’ state. The payload 25 inthe 2-way slave module 210 c (replacing module 200 c in system 220) isactivated in TIME=2 in row 61 c activates into ‘ON’ state, and thepayload stays in this state through TIME=5 in row 61 f, where theupstream activation signal will toggle the payload into an ‘OFF’ state.Similarly, the payload 25 in the 2-way slave module 210 d (replacingmodule 200 d in system 220) is activated in TIME=3 in row 61 d activatesinto ‘ON’ state, and the payload stays in this state through TIME=4 inrow 61 e, where the upstream activation signal will toggle the payloadinto an ‘OFF’ state. In this mechanism, the next activation, eitherdownstream or upstream, signal will re-activate the payload.

A loopback module may be used in order to invert the direction of thepropagation of the activation signal in a system, either from downstreamto upstream directions or vice versa. An example of a loopback module230 is shown in FIG. 23. The loopback module 230 includes all thefunctionalities of slave module 10 shown in FIG. 1, such as incomingconnector 19, line receiver 12, TIMER1 14, TIMER2 16, payload 25 andline driver 18. Similar to the slave module 10, the payload 25 will beactivated as a response to receiving an activation signal, and aftersuch activation the activation signal will be transmitted via linedriver 18. However, the qloopback module 230 is distinct from a slavemodule by having only a single network connection via connector 19, andwhere the output of the line driver 18 is connected to the connector 19.Thus, after the corresponding delays, an activation signal received inconnector 19 from the former module via wires 11 a and 11 b, will betransmitted back to the system via connector 19 to the same wires 11 a,and 11 b, thus inverting the direction of the activation signalpropagation. In order to avoid the activation signal to be looped backto the loopback module and causing infinite triggering sequence, TIMER216 is connected to TIMER1 14 via connection 231 carrying ‘INHIBIT21’signal, inhibiting TIMER1 14 to be triggered during the activation ofTIMER2 16. Alternatively, the signal ‘GATE’ 22 can be connected to theline receiver 12 via connection 232 carrying the ‘INHIBIT412’ signal,which inhibits the receiving of any signal when line driver 18 istransmitting out the activation signal. Other similar mechanisms toavoid the internal loopback may be equally used. In other examples, theloopback module only involves the receiving and transmittingfunctionalities, without employing any payload or any payload activationfunctions.

An example of a 2-way system 240 is shown in FIG. 24, based on the 2-waysystem 220 shown in FIG. 22. A master module 140 is added upstream tothe 2-way slave module 200 b using connector 21 a for connecting themaster module 140 to wires 11 c and 11 d. The loopback module 220 isconnected downstream from the 2-way slave module 200 d using connector19 e for connecting to the wires 11 k and 11 l. The system 240 is idleuntil initiated by activating the switch in the master module 140. Afteractivating the payload in the master module 140 the activating signal ispropagated downstream sequentially activating the payloads in modules200 b, 200 c and 200 d, and then activating the payload in the loopbackmodule 220. The loopback module 220 then initiates an activating signaltowards the 2-way slave module 200 d, thus starting upstreampropagation. The upstream propagation involves sequential activation ofthe payloads in the 2-way slave modules 200 d, 200 c and 200 b, untilreaching the master module 140. The system 240 then remains idle untilfurther initiating of an activating sequence by the master module 140.

A timing diagram 241 of system 240 is shown in FIG. 24a . The column 62a relates to the time lapsed in the system, wherein each row 61 a-j isassociated with a time period of operation of a specific one of the2-way slave modules, starting with receiving an activation signal untilsignaling the next module to be activated. The column #1 62 g isassociated with the payload in the master module 140 in system 240. Thecolumn #2 62 c is associated with the payload (or one of the payloads incase of multiple payloads) of the 2-way slave module 200 b, column #3 62d is associated with the payload of slave module 200 c, column #4 62 eis associated with the payload of slave module 200 d. The column #5 62 his associated with the payload in the loopback module 220 in system 240.From TIME=1 61 b to TIME=5 61 e is an example of a downstreampropagation, similar to the one-way system 50. TIME=0 row 61 a relatesto the time before receiving any activation signal in the slave modules,and thus all payloads are in ‘OFF’ state. As a result of initiating byactivating a switch in the master module 140, its payload is activated,represented as ‘ON’ in TIME=1 row 61 b. Sequentially after theactivation signal is received by the 2-way slave module 200 b, itspayload (the downstream payload 25 a shown for 2-way slave module 200 orthe payload 25 of 2-way slave module 210) is activated, represented as‘ON’ in TIME=2 row 61 c. Upon timer2 16 a expiration in slave module 200b, the payload is deactivated and reverts to ‘OFF’ state. Similarly, asa result of receiving an activation signal by slave module 200 c, itspayload (the downstream payload 25 a shown for 2-way slave module 200 orthe payload 25 of 2-way slave module 210) is activated, represented as‘ON’ in TIME=3 row 61 d. Next, the payload of slave module 200 c isdeactivated and reverts to ‘OFF’ state. Next, as a result of receivingactivation signal by 2-way slave module 200 d, its payload (thedownstream payload 25 a shown for 2-way slave module 200 or the payload25 of 2-way slave module 210) is activated, represented as ‘ON’ inTIME=4 row 61 e, followed by deactivation of the payload of 2-way slavemodule 200 d (reverts to ‘OFF’ state). At stages TIME=5 61 f, thepayload in the loopback module 220 is activated. The loopback module 220initiates an upstream activation, sequentially activating the payload inthe 2-way slave module 200 d in stage TIME=6 61 g, the payload in the2-way slave module 200 c in stage TIME=7 61 h, and ending withactivating the payload in the 2-way slave module 200 b in stage TIME=861 l, thus reverting to system idle state in TIME=9 61 j. Similar to theabove discussion, table 242 in FIG. 24b shows the timing diagram in caseof payloads that stays ‘ON’ after being activated, and table 243 in FIG.24c shows the timing diagram in case of payloads which aretoggle-controlled.

An example of a splitter module 250 for use in 2-way systems is shown inFIG. 25. While the 2-way splitter modules are described herein assplitting into three paths, it is apparent that splitting to any numberof ports may be used, such as two, four, five or any other number forcreating multiple propagation paths. The downstream path in 2-waysplitter module 250 is similar to the unidirectional splitter 70 in FIG.7 described above. An activation signal from wires 11 a and 11 b viaconnector 19 is received by line receiver 12 a, which simultaneouslyfeeds the line drivers 18 b, 18 c and 18 d respectively connected toconnectors 21 a, 21 b and 21 c. In the upstream path, an activationsignal received from wires 11 c and 11 d via connector 21 a is receivedby line receiver 12 b producing ‘GATE B’ signal over connection 242 b,an activation signal received from wires 11 e and 11 f via connector 21b is received by line receiver 12 c producing ‘GATE C’ signal overconnection 242 c, and an activation signal received from wires 11 g and11 h via connector 21 c is received by line receiver 12 d producing‘GATE D’ signal over connection 242 d. The three signals ‘GATE B’, ‘GATEC’, and ‘GATE D’ are or-ed by the ‘OR’ gate 241 a, feeding line driver18 a connected to transmit the activation signal upstream via connector19. In this configuration, a downstream activation signal issimultaneously distributed to all three downstream connected modules(connected via connectors 21 a, 21 b and 21 c). Any upstream activationsignal received in one of the downstream connections (via connectors 21a, 21 b and 21 c) will be simultaneously propagated upstream viaconnector 19.

An alternative 2-way splitter/slave module 251 is shown in FIG. 25a . APayload & Timing Block 1 215 a is added in the path connecting to theconnector 21 a, a Payload & Timing Block 2 215 b is added in the pathconnecting to the connector 21 b, and a Payload & Timing Block 2 215 cis added in the path connecting to the connector 21 c. The added blocksintroduce delays in the activation signal either in the downstreampropagation, or in the upstream propagation or both. The delays can bethe same or different. Further, a payload 25 is added in each block 215as shown in FIG. 25a , activated in either direction of the activationsignal flow. Alternatively, one, part or all of the blocks 215 a, 215 band 215 c may be substituted with the Payload and Timing Block 205 shownin FIG. 20a , offering two distinct payloads 25 a and 25 b, oneactivated by the downstream signal and the other activated by theupstream signal. In general, the various payloads in such a 2-waysplitter/slave module may be each individually operated by acorresponding activation signal relating to one of the directions(upstream or downstream) and to one of the connections. Alternatively,various dependencies may be implemented between the payloads. Forexample, a payload may be operated using an ‘OR’ gate, thus beingactivated by any one of the activation signals flowing through themodule. In another example, a payload may be operated using an ‘AND’gate, thus being activated only when plurality of the activation signalsare flowing through the module. Other logic schemes may be equallyapplied.

A 2-way system 260 containing a 2-way slave/splitter module 251 is shownin FIG. 26 and is based on system 240 shown in FIG. 24. The 2-wayslave/splitter module 251 is connected between 2-way slave modules 200 band 200 c, wherein slave module 200 b is connected to the upstreamconnector 19 f and slave module 200 c connected to the downstreamconnector 21 j. The 2-way slave/splitter module 251 is further, via thedownstream connector 21 h, connecting to wires 11 m and 11 n to the2-way slave module 200 e via its connector 19 f.

System 260 timing diagram is shown in table 261 in FIG. 26a which isbased on table 241 shown in FIG. 24a . The added column #6 62 icorresponds to the state of one of the payloads in the 2-wayslave/splitter module 251, and the added column #7 62 j corresponds tothe state of one of the payloads in the 2-way slave module 200 e. InTIME=3 61 d, one or more of the payloads of 2-way slave/splitter module251 is activated. Assuming the delays introduced by the 2-wayslave/splitter module 251 in all paths are the same, then next in TIME=461 e, both the 2-way slave module 200 e and the 2-way slave module 200 care activated. The downstream propagation continues in TIME=5 61 f andTIME=6 61 g, respectively turning ‘ON’ the payloads in the 2-way slavemodule 200 d and the loopback module 220. The loopback module 220initiates the upstream propagation, sequentially activating in TIME=7 61h module 200 d, in TIME=8 61 l module 200 c, in TIME=9 61 l 2-wayslave/splitter module 251, ending with TIME=10 61 k module 200 b. Thesystem then reverts to its original idle state. Another example of a2-way slave/splitter module 255 is shown in FIG. 25b , based on the2-way slave/splitter module 251 shown in FIG. 25a . An ‘OR’ gate 241 bis connected between the Payload & Timing Block 1 215 a and the linedriver 18 b. The ‘OR’ gate 241 b performs the ‘or’ operator on thedownstream activation signal output from the ‘Payload & Timing Block 1’215 a, the ‘GATE C’ signal, which is the output of the upstreamactivation signal output from the ‘Payload & Timing Block 2’ 215 b, andthe ‘GATE D’ signal, which is the output of the upstream activationsignal output from the ‘Payload & Timing Block 3’ 215 c. Thus, anyactivation signal received from any one of the connections (other thanthe connector 21 a port to which the activation signal is transmitted)of the 2-way slave/splitter module (either upstream or downstream) willbe repeated (after the appropriate delay and payload activation, ifimplemented) to the next module connected over wires 11 c and 11 d viaconnector 21 a. Similarly, an ‘OR’ gate 241 c is connected between the‘Payload & Timing Block 2’ 215 b and the line driver 18 c. The ‘OR’ gate241 c performs the ‘or’ operator on the downstream activation signaloutput from the ‘Payload & Timing Block 2’ 215 b, the ‘GATE B’ signal,which is the output of the upstream activation signal output from the‘Payload & Timing Block 1’ 215 a, and the ‘GATE D’ signal, which is theoutput of the upstream activation signal output from the ‘Payload &Timing Block 3’ 215 c. Thus, any activation signal received from any oneof the connections (other than the connector 21 b port to which theactivation signal is transmitted) of the 2-way slave/splitter module(either upstream or downstream) will be repeated (after the appropriatedelay and payload activation, if implemented) to the next moduleconnected over wires 11 e and 11 f via connector 21 b. Further, an ‘OR’gate 241 d is connected between the ‘Payload & Timing Block 3’ 215 c andthe line driver 18 d. The ‘OR’ gate 241 d performs the ‘or’ operator onthe downstream activation signal output from the ‘Payload & Timing Block3’ 215 c, the ‘GATE B’ signal, which is the output of the upstreamactivation signal output from the ‘Payload & Timing Block 1’ 215 a, andthe ‘GATE C’ signal, which is the output of the upstream activationsignal output from the ‘Payload & Timing Block 2’ 215 b. Thus, anyactivation signal received from any one of the connections (other thanthe connector 21 c port to which the activation signal is transmitted)of the 2-way slave/splitter module (either upstream or downstream) willbe repeated (after the appropriate delay and payload activation, ifimplemented) to the next module connected over wires 11 g and 11 h viaconnector 21 c. Hence, the 2-way splitter/slave module 255 is operativeto repeat an activation signal received in any one of its connections(either upstream or downstream) to all other connections.

A 2-way system 270 containing a 2-way slave/splitter module 255 is shownin FIG. 27 and is based on system 260 shown in FIG. 26. The 2-wayslave/splitter module 250 is substituted with the 2-way slave/splittermodule 255. In such a scheme, any activation signal received by the2-way slave/splitter module 255 in any one of its connections, will bepropagated to all the other connections. System 270 timing diagram isshown in table 271 in FIG. 27a , which is based on table 261 shown inFIG. 26a . The downstream propagation is identical to the system 260operation. However, in the upstream direction, an activation signalreaching the 2-way slave/splitter module 255 will be distributedupstream to the 2-way slave module 200 b (as before), and also to thedownstream connected 2-way slave module 200 e, activating it as shown as‘ON’ in TIME=10 61 k.

A 2-way master module 280 is shown in FIG. 28, based on unidirectionalmaster module 145 shown in FIG. 14b . An ‘OR’ gate 241 b is addedbetween the switch 141 and TIMER1 14, supporting the formerfunctionality of the master module 145 of initiating an activationsignal by activating switch 141. A line receiver 12 a is connected tothe connector 21 a, and thus receiving any upstream activation signalreceived from wires 11 a and 11 b. The received activation signal isthen fed to the OR gate 241 b, and causing the received activationsignal to initiate TIMER1 14 as if initiated by the switch 141, whichwill initiate a new activating sequence downwards. Hence, the 2-waymaster module 280 includes a loopback functionality (similar to loopbackmodule 220), reverting an upstream to downstream propagation of theactivation signal.

An example of a 2-way system 290 containing a 2-way master module 280 isshown in FIG. 29, and is based on system 240 shown in FIG. 24. The 1-waymaster module 140 is substituted with the 2-way master module 280, thusany upstream activation signal received by the 2-way master module 280will activate its internal payload 25 and will be looped back downwardsas if the activation switch 141 has been re-activated. In such a scheme,the activation signal is reverted from downstream to upstream by theloopback module 220, and the activation signal is reverted from upstreamto downstream by the 2-way master module 280. Thus after a singleactivation of the system (by switch 141 in the 2-way master module 280),the activation signal will infinitely propagate downstream and upstreamwithout any external intervention. A system 290 timing diagram is shownin table 291 in FIG. 29a , which is based on table 241 shown in FIG. 24a. The system 290 operation until TIME=8 61 l is identical to thesequence in table 241, including activation in TIME=1 61 b, downstreampropagation until TIME=5 61 f when the loopback module 220 is activated,following the upstream propagation until TIME=8 61 l. The upstreamactivation signal reaches the 2-way master module 280 and activates itspayload 25 in TIME=9 61 j. The 2-way master module 280 also reverts thesystem 290 to downstream propagation by sending activation to the 2-wayslave module 200 b, activated in TIME=10 61 k, followed by activating ofthe 2-way slave module 200 c in TIME=11 61 l. The system 290 status inTIME=9 61 j is identical to its status in TIME=1 61 b, the system 290status in TIME=10 61 k is identical to its status in TIME=2 61 c,wherein the 2-way slave module 200 b is activated, and similarly thesystem 290 status in TIME=11 61 l is identical to its status in TIME=361 d wherein the 2-way slave module 200 c is activated. The sequenceincluding the states TIME=1 61 b to TIME=8 61 l will thus be repeatedinfinitely. Table 292 in FIG. 29b shows the system 290 states in thecase wherein all the payloads are toggle-controlled.

Another example of a 2-way master module 300 is shown in FIG. 30, basedon unidirectional master module 160 shown in FIG. 16. Three linereceivers 12 b, 12 c and 12 d are added, connected to receive upstreamactivation signal from the respective connectors 21 a, 21 b and 21 c.The three upstream activation signals received are or-ed, together withthe switch 141 activation signal, by the ‘OR’ gate 241, which outputactivates TIMER1 14. In this configuration, the initiation of adownstream sequence by activating the switch 141 is retained, added tothe functionality that any upstream signal received from one of theconnector 21 a, 21 b and 21 c will both activate the payload 25 in the2-way master module 300 and will further initiate a downstream sequencein all the connected downstream paths. In an alternative embodiment, thereverting from upstream to downstream in the activated paths willexclude the path from which the activation signal was received, similarto the functionality of the splitter 255 shown in FIG. 25 b.

An example of a 2-way system 310 containing a 2-way master module 300 isshown in FIG. 31, having similar topology such as the unidirectionalsystem 185 shown in FIG. 18a . The one-way slave modules 10 a, 10 b, 10c and 10 d are respectively substituted with the 2-way slave modules 200a, 200 b, 200 c and 200 d, and the 1-way splitter module 60 b issubstituted with the 2-way splitter module 255. The 1-way master module160 is substituted with the 2-way master module 300, thus any upstreamactivation signal received by the 2-way master module 300 will activateits internal payload 25 and will be looped back downwards as if theactivation switch 141 has been re-activated. A loopback module 220 isconnected via connector 19 e downstream to the 2-way slave module 200 aover wires 11 k and 11 l. In such a scheme, the activation signal isreverted from downstream to upstream by the loopback module 220, and theactivation signal is reverted from upstream to downstream by the 2-waymaster module 300. Thus after a single activation of the system (byswitch 141 in the 2-way master module 300), the activation signal willinfinitely propagate downstream and upstream without any externalintervention.

The example system 310 shown in FIG. 31 and other 2-way systems exampledabove included a single master module, hence the system operation can beinitiated only by the switch 141 of the corresponding 2-way mastermodule. In another example, two or more master modules are used, eachallowing for system initiation, and thus not limiting the systemactivation to a single point. An example of such a 2-way system 311containing two 2-way master modules is shown in FIG. 31a , havingsimilar topology as the system 310 shown in FIG. 31. The loopback module220 in system 310 is substituted with the 2-way master module 280. Sincethe 2-way master module 280 includes a loopback function, thefunctionalities and the operation of the system 310 are not changed.However, the system 311 can be initiated by the 2-way master module 280(by its switch 141), in addition to the initiation by the switch 141 inthe 2-way master module 300.

Payload Control.

The control of a payload, either internal or external to a module) isdependent upon the ‘GATE’ signal. In one aspect, the payload isactivated as long as the ‘GATE’ signal is active. For example, in theexample of a payload including a lamp, the lamp will illuminate duringthe time when the ‘GATE’ signal in active (either active-low oractive-high).

FIG. 32 shows a timing diagram 315 relating to cases wherein the payloadcontrol is triggered ON and/or OFF based on the GATE signal. The GATEsignal is shown in timing chart 316, and shows a first activating pulse317 a followed by another activating pulse 317 b. In a 1-way system, thetwo activation pulses may be generated as a response to two activationsof a switch in the master module. In a 2-way system, the first pulse mayrelate to one direction and the other pulse can be the result of anactivation signal in the other direction.

In one example, the payload control is latched based on the GATE signal.Such scheme is shown in graph CONTROL1 318 in FIG. 32, and is exampledis module 325 shown in FIG. 32a . A set-reset latch flip-flop 327 iscoupled between the ‘GATE’ signal carried over connection 22 andgenerates the CONTROL1 signal carried over connection 326 to payload 25via connector 31. As shown in graph 318, the rising edge of the firstGATE activation pulse 317 a triggers the CONTROL1 signal to be latchedinto a steady high (“1”) state. This state does not change regardless ofchanges in the ‘GATE’ signal 316. In the example of a payload 25including a lamp, the lamp stays powered and illuminating after itssingle activation. The system may or may not reset upon power removal tothe module (or to the payload) and repowering it. Further, the systemcan reset to its initial state by an external event or by a logic thatis internal to and part of the payload 25.

Another alternative is shown in graph CONTROL2 319 in FIG. 32, thepayload 25 is activated by the rising edge of the GATE pulse 317 a, andstays activated for a set time. A third timer is added (added to TIMER114 and TIMER2 16), controlled by the GATE signal and producing theCONTROL2 319 signal. The time period of the operation can be determinedsimilar to setting of the other timers.

In another alternative, the GATE signal is used to toggle the payload 25state. The payload state is changed (e.g., from ‘active’ to ‘non active’and vice versa) each time a GATE pulse is present. Such scheme is shownin graph CONTROL3 314 in FIG. 32, and is exampled is module 328 shown inFIG. 32b . A toggle flip-flop 329 is coupled between the ‘GATE’ signalcarried over connection 22 and generates the CONTROL3 signal carriedover connection 326 to payload 25 via connector 31. The payload isactivated upon the rising edge of the first GATE pulse 317 a, until therising edge of the second GATE pulse 317 b.

Powering.

The electric circuit in one, few or all of the modules in a system maybe energized by a local power source. In this scheme, a module isindividually powered, for example by a power source integrated withinthe module enclosure. An example of a locally powered 1-way slave module320 is shown in FIG. 33. The slave module contains the slave modulefunctionality of the slave module 10 shown in FIG. 1. The electricalcircuits in the slave module 320 are powered from the battery 321serving as the DC (Direct Current) power source and integrated in theslave module 320 enclosure. The battery 321 may be a primary or arechargeable (secondary) type, may include a single or few batteries,and may use various chemicals for the electro-chemical cells, such aslithium, alkaline and nickel-cadmium. Common batteries are manufacturedin defined output voltages (1.5, 3, 4.5, 9 Volts, for example), as wellas defined standard mechanical enclosures (usually defined by letters“A”, “AA”, “B”, “C” sizes etc. and ‘coin’ type). Commonly, the battery(or batteries) is enclosed in a battery compartment or a battery holder,allowing for easy replacement, such as battery compartment 641 shown formaster module 640 in FIG. 64. A DC/DC converter 322 may be added betweenthe battery and one or all of the electrical circuits in the module 320adapting between the battery 321 voltage (e.g., 9 VDC or 1.5 VDC) andthe voltage required by the internal electrical circuits (e.g., 5 VDC or3.3 VDC).

As an alternative or as addition to using internal battery as a powersource, a module can be power fed from an external power source, such asthe AC power supply or an external battery. External powering isexampled in FIG. 33a , showing a slave module 330 (exampled as based onthe slave module 10 in FIG. 1), connected to an external power source323 via a connector 324 (preferably a power connector). In the casewherein an external power source 323 is used, the DC/DC converter 322 isreplaced (or supplemented) with an AC/DC converter, for converting theAC power (commonly 115 VAC/60 Hz in North America and 220 VAC/50 Hz inEurope) into the required DC voltage or voltages. AC powering isexampled in a module 370 in FIG. 37 showing an AC plug 373 connected tothe module 370 AC connector 372 via cord 374, feeding AC/DC converter371, pictorially shown as AC plug 647 and cable 646 in view 648 a inFIG. 64a . The AC/DC adapter may further be external and plugged to anAC outlet. Such small outlet plug-in step-down transformer shape can beused (also known as “wall-wart”, “power brick”, “plug pack”, “plug-inadapter”, “adapter block”, “domestic mains adapter”, “power adapter”, orAC adapter) as known in the art and typically involves converting 120 or240 volt AC supplied by a power utility company to a well-regulatedlower voltage DC for electronic devices. A module may include achargeable battery and AC power connection, the latter used for chargingthe internal battery as known in the art.

In an alternative powering scheme, a module (or few or all modules in asystem) is remotely powered via the connection (or connections) toanother module (or modules). For example, such scheme may allow a systemto be powered by a single power source, wherein the power supplied iscarried to power all the modules in the system via the modulesconnections. An example of a remotely powered 1-way slave module 340 isshown in FIG. 34 (exampled as based on the slave module 10 in FIG. 1).The upstream connector 19 is shown to contain four contacts forconnecting to the activation signal carrying conductors 11 a and 11 band to the power carrying conductors 341 a and 341 b. In one example,the power can be carried over the conductors 341 a and 341 b as a DCpower signal, and the module 340 further contains a DC/DC converter 322for adapting the DC voltage supplied to the DC voltage levels requiredby the module 340 internal electrical circuits. Alternatively, the powersignal carried over the conductors 341 a and 341 b is an AC powersignal, and in such a case the DC/DC converter is replaced with acorresponding AC/DC converter. The downstream connector 21 of slavemodule 340 also contains four contacts for connecting to both theactivation signal carrying conductors 11 c and 11 d and to the powercarrying conductors 341 c and 341 d. The power conductors 341 c and 341d are respectively connected to the incoming power conductors 341 a and341 b for supplying the power to the next module connected via thedownstream connector 21, hence the power signal is carried andpropagated downstream similar to the activation signal in a 1-waysystem. In an alternative embodiment, the power signal flow is directedupstream, wherein power is received from the power conductors 341 c and341 d, and fed upstream to the conductors 341 a and 341 b.

In the case of remote powering wherein the power is fed to a module viathe connection to another module, a powering module is used to injectthe power to the system. An example of a powering module 350 is shown inFIG. 35. A battery 321 serves the power source to part or all of thesystem, connected to the power conductors 341 a and 341 b via connector19 for powering the upstream connected modules, and further connected tothe power conductors 341 c and 341 d via connector 21 for powering thedownstream connected modules. A powering module such as the poweringmodule 350 shown in FIG. 35 and any other module, and in particularmodules having external connections (e.g., to a payload) and/or handlingpower, may use protection unit 351 (shown in FIG. 35 connected betweenthe battery 321 as the power source and the system wiring) forprotecting the system from harmful effects, such as overheating, fire,explosion or damages (e.g., a short circuit due to a fault, damaged or awrong connection), or for improved safety, for example for meeting therequired safety and ESD/EMC requirements imposed by the UL/FCC in theU.S.A. and CE/CENELEC in Europe. The protection block 351 is typicallyhanding surges, over-voltage, lightning, and ensuring a safe andundamaged operation. Commonly, the protection involves current limitingusing a fuse, active current limiter circuit or a circuit breaker. Forexample, the protection may be based on, for example, P3100SC ‘275VSIDACTOR® Device’ from Littlefuse of Des Plaines, Ill., U.S.A.

An alternative powering module 360 is shown in FIG. 36, showing anexternal power source 363 connected via a power connector 362 to a powersupply 361, which feeds the power to the system wires 341 a, 341 b andwires 341 c and 341 d via the protection circuit 351. The power supply361 is used to adapt between the external power source 363 suppliedvoltages to the system internal voltage, by converting the input voltage(e.g., normal 120 or 240 volts AC power) to AC and/or DC at the variousvoltages and frequencies. Powering module 370 shown in FIG. 37 examplesthe case wherein the power source is the AC domestic mains 120 or 240volt AC supplied by a power utility company and provided via the ACpower plug 373 connected via the AC power cable 374, which is connectedvia the AC power connector 372 to the AC/DC converter 371 for providingthe regulated and stabilized DC voltage (or voltages) to be carried overthe system wires.

The powering related circuit of a splitter module 380 is shown in FIG.38. The powering functionality may be added to any of the 1-way splittermodules described above in FIGS. 6-11 such as splitter module 70 shownin FIG. 7, splitter module 90 shown in FIG. 9 or slave/splitter module110 shown in FIG. 11. Further, the powering functionality may be addedto any of the 2-way splitter modules described above in FIGS. 25-25 bsuch as splitter module 250 shown in FIG. 25 or splitter module 255shown in FIG. 25b . The splitter module 380 connects to the upstreampower conductor pair 341 a and 341 b via connector 19, to the downstreampower conductors 341 c and 341 d via connector 21 a, to the downstreampower conductor pair 341 e and 341 f via connector 21 b and to thedownstream power conductor pair 341 g and 341 h via connector 21 d. Apower signal received from any of the power conductor pair will feed theDC/DC converter 322, which in turn will power the splitter moduleelectrical circuits. Since all power conductors pairs are connectedtogether, any power signal received in any one of the pairs will bedistributed to all the other connections via the correspondingconnectors.

The powering related circuit of a master module 390 is shown in FIG. 39.The powering functionality may be added to any of the 1-way mastermodules described above in FIGS. 14-16 such as master module 140 shownin FIG. 14, master module 150 shown in FIG. 15 or master module 160shown in FIG. 16. Further, the powering functionality may be added toany of the 2-way master modules described above in FIGS. 25-30, such asmaster module 280 shown in FIG. 28 or master module 300 shown in FIG.30. The powering/master module 410 connects to the downstream powerconductors 341 c and 341 d via connector 21 a, to the downstream powerconductor pair 341 e and 341 f via connector 21 b and to the downstreampower conductor pair 341 g and 341 h via connector 21 d. A power signalreceived from any of the power conductor pair will feed the DC/DCconverter 322, which in turn will power the master module electricalcircuits. Since all power conductor pairs are connected together, anypower signal received in any one of the pairs will be distributed to allthe other connections via the corresponding connectors. Similarly, aloopback module can be powered by its connection to the power conductorsvia its connector to the system.

An example of a remote-powered system 400 is shown in FIG. 40, based onthe system 260 shown in FIG. 26. The slave modules 200 b, 200 e and 200d include a powering functionality similar or identical to the poweringfunctionality shown for slave module 340 shown in FIG. 34. Similarly,the master module 140 (and the loopback module 220) includes a poweringfunctionality similar or identical to the powering functionality shownfor master module 390 shown in FIG. 39. Further, the splitter module 251includes a powering functionality similar or identical to the poweringfunctionality shown for splitter module 380 shown in FIG. 38. The powerconductor pair 341 c and 341 d connects the master module 140 and theslave module 200 b, the power conductor pair 341 f and 341 e connectsthe slave module 200 b and the splitter module 251 upstream connection,the power conductor pair 341 h and 341 g connects the slave module 200 eand the splitter module 251 downstream connection, and the powerconductor pair 3411 and 341 k connects the slave module 200 d and theloopback module 220. A powering module 370 substitutes for the slavemodule 200 c in system 260, and connects to splitter module 251 viapower conductor pair 341 m and 341 n and to the slave module 200 d viapower conductor pair 3411 and 341 j. Similarly, powering modules 350 or360 may be equally used. The AC power is sourced from AC power sourcevia AC plug 373 to the powering module 370. After conditioning (e.g.,voltage and AC/DC conversion) the power is supplied downstream over thepower conductors 341 i and 341 j to the slave module 200 d, and furtherto the loopback module 220 via power conductors 341 k and 341 l. Thepower is also supplied upstream to the splitter 251 over powerconductors 341 m and 341 n, and via the splitter module 251 to the slavemodule 200 e over power conductors 341 g and 341 h. The splitter module251 further transfer the power upstream to the slave module 200 b overpower conductors 341 e and 341 f, and from the slave module 200 b to themaster module 140 via power conductors 341 c and 341 d. Hence, the wholesystem if fed from a single power source via a single AC power plug 373.

A module may double as both a powering module and either a slave, amaster or a splitter module. The powering related circuit of apowering/master module 410 is shown in FIG. 41. The poweringfunctionality may be equally added to any of the master modulesdescribed above in FIGS. 14-16 such as master module 140 shown in FIG.14, master module 150 shown in FIG. 15 or master module 160 shown inFIG. 16. Further, the powering functionality may be added to any of the2-way master modules described above in FIGS. 25-30, such as mastermodule 280 shown in FIG. 28 or master module 300 shown in FIG. 30. Thepowering/master module 390 connects to the downstream power conductors341 c and 341 d via connector 21 a, to the downstream power conductorpair 341 e and 341 f via connector 21 b and to the downstream powerconductor pair 341 g and 341 h via connector 21 d. An AC power signal isreceived from AC power source by the AC plug 373 and the AC power cable374, connected to the module via the AC power connector 372. The ACpower is converted to appropriate DC voltage (or voltages) by the AC/DCconverter 371, and the resulting DC power is fed to the downstreamconnectors 21 a, 21 b and 21 d via the protection circuitry 351.Similarly, a loopback module can include a powering functionality tofeed the system power conductors via its connector (or connectors). Analternative battery powered functionality of a powering/master module420 is shown in FIG. 42, wherein the internal battery 321 replaces theexternal AC power as a powering source.

FIGS. 34-42 described above exampled the case wherein the power iscarried over dedicated and distinct wires, thus the power signal iscarried separated from any other signals carried between the modulessuch as the activation signal. Such configuration further requires theuse of connectors (such as connectors 19 and 21) having at least fourcontacts, two for the power and two for the activation signal (or anyother signal propagating in the system). In an alternative remotepowering scheme, the power signal and the data signal (e.g., activationsignal) are concurrently carried together over the same wire pair. Thisscheme makes use of a power/data splitter/combiner (P/D S/C) circuit,which either combines the power and data signals to a combined signal,or splits a combined signal into its power and data signals components.Such P/D S/C circuit 431 (e.g., P/D S/C 431 a and 431 b in FIG. 43)commonly employs three ports designated as ‘PD’ 433 (stands forPower+Data), ‘D’ 432 (stands for Data only) and ‘P’ 434 (stands forPower only). A data signal received from, or transmitted to, the port D432 is combined with the power signal fed from, or supplied to, port P434, and the combined signal is fed to, or being fed from, the port PD433. Thus, power signal is transparently passed between ports PD 433 andP 434, while data signal (e.g. activation signal) is transparentlypassed between ports PD 433 and D 432. For example, a combined power anddata signal received in port 433 is separated by the P/D S/C 431 to apower signal routed to port P 434 and to a data signal routed to port D432. Similarly, a power signal received in port P 434 and a data signalreceived in port D 432 a are combined by the P/D S/C 431 to a power/datasignal in port 433. The power signal may be AC or DC, and the P/D S/C431 may contain only passive components or alternatively may containboth active and passive electronic circuits.

An example of a remotely powered 1-way slave module 430 using P/D S/Csis shown in FIG. 43 (exampled as based on the slave module 10 in FIG.1). The upstream connector 19 is shown to contain two contacts forconnecting to the conductors 11 a and 11 b carrying combined power andactivation signals. The received signal is connected to port PD 433 a ofthe P/D S/C 431 a. The P/D S/C 431 a separates the activation signal andprovides the separated activation signal via port D 432 a to the linereceiver 12. The P/D S/C 431 a separates the power signal and providesthe separated activation signal via port P 434 a to the DC/DC converter322, which in turn feeds the module 430 circuits. The activation signalto be transmitted to the next module via the downstream connection 21 isconnected to D port 432 b of the P/D S/C 431 b. The separated powersignal from the P/D S/C 431 a is connected to port P 434 b of the P/DS/C 431 b. The P/D S/C 431 b combines the activation and power signal,and the combined signal is fed to the next module via connector 21 andwires 11 c and 11 d. Thus, the power feeding is propagated through andfeeding the slave module 430, while the activation signal is propagatedas described above, yet using only two wires for connecting the modules.

Supplying the power to the system may for example use a powering module440 shown in FIG. 44, which examples the case wherein the power sourceis the AC mains 120 or 240 volt AC supplied by a power utility companyis used as a power source provided by the AC power plug 373 connectedvia the AC power cable 374, connected via the AC power connector 372 tothe AC/DC converter 371 providing the regulated and stabilized DCvoltage (or voltages) to be carried over the system wires, similar topowering module 370 shown in FIG. 37 above. The P/D S/C 431 a is used tocouple the power signal onto the system wires (which also carry theactivation signal). The DC power signal from the protection block 351 isconnected to port P 434 a of the P/D S/C 431 a, and the data isolatedpower signal is fed to the wires 11 a and 11 b and wires 11 c and 11 dfrom the port PD 433 a.

A 2-way master module 450 doubles to also include powering functionalityas shown in FIG. 45, based on the powering/master module 410 shown inFIG. 41, adapted to support power and data carried over the same wires.A P/D S/C circuit 431 a is connected to pass power from the protectionblock 351 to the wires 11 c and 11 d via connector 21 a, and to furtherpass data between the wires 11 c and 11 d via connector 21 a and theline driver 18 b and line receiver 12 b. Similarly, a P/D S/C circuit431 b is connected to pass power from the protection block 351 to thewires 11 e and 11 f via connector 21 b, and to further pass data betweenthe wires 11 e and 11 f via connector 21 b and the line driver 18 c andline receiver 12 c. Similarly, a P/D S/C circuit 431 c is connected topass power from the protection block 351 to the wires 11 g and 11 h viaconnector 21 c, and to further pass data between the wires 11 g and 11 hvia connector 21 c and the line driver 18 d and line receiver 12 d.

An example of a remotely fed loopback module 460 is shown in FIG. 46.The P/D S/C circuit 431 a is connected to receive power and data signalsfrom the wires 11 a and 11 b via connector 19, and to pass only thepower to the DC/DC converter 322, and to further pass data between thewires 11 a and 11 b via connector 19 and the line driver 18 and linereceiver 12 a.

In one example, the data and power signals are carried over the samewires using Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), where each signal isusing different frequency band, and wherein the frequency bands arespaced in frequency. For example, the power signal can be a DC signal (0Hz), while the data signal will be carried over a band excluding the DCfrequency. Similarly, the power signal can be an AC power signal, usinga frequency above the frequency band used by the data signal. Separationor combining the power and data signals makes use of filters, passing orstopping the respective bands. An example of a P/D S/C circuit 431 usingFDM is shown as circuit 470 in FIG. 47, corresponding to the casewherein the power signal is a DC signal (0 Hz), while the data signal isan AC signal carried over a band excluding the DC frequency. A capacitor472 a, which may be supplemented with another capacitor 472 b isconnected between the PD port 433 and the D port 432, implementing aHigh Pass Filter (HPF) 471. The HPF 471 substantially stops the DC powersignal and substantially passes the data signal between the connectedcorresponding ports. An inductor 474 a, which may be supplemented withanother inductor 474 b is connected between the PD port 433 and the Pport 434, implementing a Low Pass Filter (LPF) 473. The LPF 473substantially stops the data signal and substantially passes the DCpower signal between the connected corresponding ports. Other passive oractive implementations of the HPF 471 and LPF 473 can be equally used.

Alternatively, the data and power signals are carried over the samewires using a split-tap transformer, as commonly known for powering ananalog telephone set known as POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service). Anexample of a P/D S/C circuit 431 using a split-tap transformer scheme isshown as circuit 480 in FIG. 48, corresponding for example to the casewherein the power signal is a DC signal (0 Hz), while the data signal isan AC signal carried over a band excluding the DC frequency. Atransformer 481 is connected between the PD port 433 and the D port 432,where the primary side windings 482 a and 482 b connected to the PD port433, and the secondary winding 482 c is connected to the D port 432. Theprimary side is split to be formed of two windings 482 a and 482 b,connected together with capacitor 483. The transformer substantiallypasses the data signal between PD port 433 and the D port 432, while theDC power signal is blocked by the capacitor 483. Any DC signal such asthe DC power signal is substantially passed between the PD port 433 andthe P port 434.

In another alternative, the power signal is carried over a phantomchannel between two pairs carrying the data signal or signals. Anexample of a P/D S/C circuit 431 using phantom scheme is shown ascircuit 490 in FIG. 49, corresponding for example to the case whereinthe power signal is a DC signal (0 Hz), while the data signal is an ACsignal carried over a band excluding the DC frequency. The transformers491 a and 491 b are connected between the PD port 433 and the D port432, substantially passing data signals therebetween. The split tap 492b (of the winding 492 a of transformer 491 a) and the split tap 492 e(of the winding 492 d of transformer 491 b) are connected to the P port434, allowing for DC power flow between the PD port 433 and the P port434. Further, the power may be carried over the wires substantiallyaccording to IEEE802.3af or IEEE802.3at standards. Using the phantomchannel for carrying power is preferably used in the case wherein fourconductors are used as connection medium between modules, such as theconfiguration shown in module 216 in FIGS. 21c and 21 d.

Typically, the payload 25 is a power consuming apparatus, and thusrequired to be connected to a power source for proper operation. In oneexample, the payload 25 is fed from the same power source energizing themodule corresponding to the payload 25, and controlling it via the GATEactivation or control signal. Such scheme is exampled in slave module500 shown in FIG. 50, based on slave module 340 shown in FIG. 34. Thepayload 25 is integrated within the module 500 enclosure and is poweredfrom the DC/DC converter 322 via the power connection 501, and thusshares the powering circuitry of the slave module 500. The payload 25may use a dedicated voltage and thus requires a separated output of theDC/DC converter 322, or alternatively share the same output and voltageused by other circuits in the module 500.

Alternatively, the payload 25 is powered from a power source external tothe module and separated from the internal power circuitry energizingthe module circuits (other than the payload 25). Such scheme is exampledin slave module 510 shown in FIG. 51, based on slave module 340 shown inFIG. 34. The payload 25 is integrated within the module 510 enclosure,but is powered only from the external power source 511, connected to thepayload 25 via connector 513 and power conductors 512 a and 512 b.

Alternatively, the payload may be external to the module enclosure, yetbeing powered from and controlled by the module. Such scheme is exampledin slave module 520 shown in FIG. 52, based on slave module 340 shown inFIG. 34. The payload 521 is external to the slave module 520 enclosureand connected to the slave module 520 via connector 513, but is poweredfrom the module 520 DC/DC converter 322 via the power connection 522,and controlled by the GATE signal over connection 22. In anotheralternative scheme, the payload is external to the module enclosure andbeing powered from an external power source 511, yet controlled by therelated module. Such scheme is exampled in slave module 530 shown inFIG. 53, based on slave module 340 shown in FIG. 34. The payload 531 isexternal to the module 530 enclosure and controlled by the GATE signalover connection 22 via connector 513, but is powered from the powersource 511 which is separated from the module 530 (or system) poweringscheme.

In one example, the payload control involves supplying power to thepayload when activated. In such scheme, a switch is controlled by theGATE signal, switching power from a power source to a payload for itsactivation. The power source may be internal or external to the moduleenclosure. Similarly the payload may be internal or external to themodule enclosure. Such scheme is exampled in slave module 540 shown inFIG. 54, based on slave module 340 shown in FIG. 34, showing an externalpower source 511 and external payload 531. Upon activating of the GATEsignal over connection 22, the switch 541 is closed and enables thepower flowing from the power source 511 to the payload 531 via theswitch 541 connected via connector 542. The case of an internal powersource and external payload is exampled in module 550 shown in FIG. 55.The payload 531 is connected to connector 552, and is powered from theDC/DC converter 322 via the switch 551, activated by the GATE signal.

Randomness.

The term ‘random’ in this specifications and claims is intended to covernot only pure random, non-deterministically generated signals, but alsopseudo-random, deterministic signals such as the output of ashift-register arrangement provided with a feedback circuit as used togenerate pseudo-random binary signals or as scramblers, and chaoticsignals.

In one aspect of the invention, a randomness factor is included in oneor more modules. The stochastic operation may add amusement andrecreation to the system or module operation since the operation will besurprising, non-repetitive and cannot be predicted. In one example, thetime delay associated with TIMER1 14 or with TIMER2 16 (or both) israndomly set, as shown in slave module 560 shown in FIG. 56, based onslave module 30 shown in FIG. 3. A random signal generator 561 a isconnected to TIMER1 14 for controlling its associated time delay, andrandom signal generator 561 b is connected to TIMER2 16 for controllingits associated time delay. In one example, the random generators 561 aor 561 b provide analog output voltage, where the voltage level affectsthe setting of the time delay. For example, the analog random signalgenerator 561 a outputs random voltage level in the range of 0-10 VDCand the time delay control range of TIMER1 14 is in 0 to 50 secondsrange. Assuming linear control, 0 VDC output of the analog random signalgenerator 561 a will result in 0 seconds delay, 10 VDC output of theanalog random signal generator 561 a will result in 50 seconds delay,and 5 VDC output of the analog random signal generator 561 a will resultin 25 seconds delay. Alternatively, non-linear control may be used, suchas exponential, logarithmic, parabolic or any other mathematicalfunction.

An example of an analog random signal generator 571 is shown in FIG. 57,as part of a slave module 570. The analog random signal generator 571contains the signal generator 572 and a Sample & Hold (S/H) 573.Preferably, the signal generator 572 produces a simple repetitivewaveform, such as sinewave, sawtooth, square and triangular waveforms.Similarly an arbitrary waveform generator can be used, allowing the userto generate arbitrary waveforms. In the example shown in FIG. 57, thesignal generator 572 produces a linear sawtooth waveform 574 havinglinear and monotonous slope, ranging between 0 to 10 VDC. Preferably,the repetition rate is substantially higher than the delays in a moduleor in a system. The signal generator 572 sawtooth wave form is output tothe sample & Hold (S/H) 573. Upon being triggered, the S/H 573 will holdthe sampled analog voltage steady. This sampled voltage is connected tocontrol the delay of TIMER2 16. The S/H 573 may be based on a capacitorto store the analog voltage, or alternatively use digital storage withassociated analog to digital conversion. The S/H 573 is triggered by the‘IN’ signal 13, and thus will provide a different analog voltage tocontrol the delay of TIMER2 16 each time an activation signal ispropagated through the slave module 570. Since there is substantially nocorrelation between the received activation signal and the signalgenerator 572 output, the sampled voltage level is substantially random.In an alternative embodiment, the analog random signal generator 571 isactivated only once, either upon powering up or upon receiving the firstactivation signal, and the sampled voltage is retained thereafter (e.g.,until next powering up).

An alternative embodiment of the analog random signal generator 581 isshown in FIG. 58 as part of a slave module 580. The analog random signalgenerator 581 contains a digital random number generator 582 (e.g., withan 8 bit digital output), connected to a digital to analog (D/A)converter 583 for converting to an analog voltage signal. The output ofthe analog random signal generator 581 is connected to control the delayof TIMER2 16, and can have 256 equally spaced different analog voltages.Similar to the above, the random analog voltage may be generated once(e.g., upon power up) or repetitively each time an activation signal isreceived. Examples of an analog random signal generator 581 aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,659,219 to Rueff entitled: “Discrete RandomVoltage Generator”, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,649 to Shuppe entitled:“Random Voltage Source with Substantially uniform Distribution”, and inU.S. Pat. No. 6,147,552 to Sauer entitled: “Chopper-StabilizedOperational Amplifier including Integrated Circuit with True RandomVoltage Output”, which are incorporated in its entirety for all purposesas if fully set forth herein.

In another example, the randomness is associated with the payloadoperation. In the example shown in FIG. 58a , a slave module 585contains the analog random signal generator 581 connected via connector31 to control the payload 25. For example, the payload 25 may receive arandom control voltage from the analog random signal generator 581 eachtime it is activated via ‘GATE signal 22. The random voltage may be usedto direct or regulate the behavior of the payload 25, such as settingany parameter thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, the randomness factor is affecting theactual activation of a payload, as shown in slave module 590 shown inFIG. 59, based on slave module 540 shown in FIG. 54. The analog randomvoltage level output of the analog random signal generator 581 iscompared with a reference voltage V1 output of a voltage reference 592.Typically, the voltage reference 592 sources a constant output voltageV1 irrespective of external changes such as temperature, loading andpower supply variations. Such voltage reference may be based on a zenerdiode or a bandgap voltage reference, such as the industry standardLM317. The voltage comparison is made at a voltage comparator 593, whichmay be based on an operation amplifier such as the industry standardLM339. In the example shown in FIG. 59, the voltage comparator 593 willoutput logic ‘1’ when the voltage from the analog random signalgenerator 581 is larger than the voltage reference 592 output. Thisoutput is AND-ed by the ‘AND’ gate 594 with the ‘GATE’ signal 22, andthe ‘AND’ gate 594 output is connected to control switch 541, which isconnected to power the payload 531 from the power source 511. In thisscheme, the payload 531 will be powered only if both the ‘GATE’activation signal is active and the analog random signal is greater thanV1. In the example wherein the analog random signal generator canuniformly provide any voltage in the 0 to 10 VDC range, the probabilityof activating the payload 531 upon active ‘GATE’ signal is calculated tobe (10−V1)/V1. For example, a V1 of 2 VDC will result in 0.8=80%probability to activate the payload 531, while 7 VDC will result in only0.3=30% probability to activate the payload 531. The voltage reference592 output can be fixed, or can be changed by a user, thus allowingdifferent probabilities to be chosen by the user.

While exampled above with regard to using analog random signalgenerator, a digital random signal generator (known as random numbergenerator) may be equally used, wherein numbers in binary form replacesthe analog voltage value output. One approach to random numbergeneration is based on using linear feedback shift registers. An exampleof random number generators is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,157 toIkake entitled: “Random Number Generator”, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,176 toSchulz entitled: “Random Number Generator Circuit”, in U.S. Pat. No.4,853,884 to Brown et al. entitled: “Random Number Generator withDigital Feedback” and in U.S. Pat. No. 7,145,933 to Szajnowski entitled:“Method and Apparatus for generating Random signals”, which areincorporated in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forthherein.

A digital equivalent of slave module 590 is shown as slave module 590 ashown in FIG. 59a , wherein the digital random generator 582 (e.g., withan 8 bit output for producing a random digital value in the 0-255 range)is replacing the analog random signal generator 581, a register 596stores a reference digital value, and the digital values are compared bya digital comparator 595 (e.g., CMOS 4063 or 4585).

In one aspect of the invention, multiple payloads are available to berandomly selected, as shown in slave module 597 described in part inFIG. 59b . An analog random signal generator 581 outputs a randomvoltage level VR (for example in the 0-10 VDC range), compared withvoltage reference 592 a outputting voltage V1, with voltage reference592 b outputting voltage V2, and with voltage reference 592 c outputtingvoltage V3, by the respective voltage comparators 593 a, 593 b and 593c. In this example, it is assumed that V3>V2>V1. In the case the randomanalog voltage VR is below V1 voltage level output by reference 592 a(VR<V1), none of the comparators will be active, and thus will alloutput ‘0’ logic level. The ‘NOT’ gate 596 a will be thus active andwill activate PAYLOAD1 25 a. In the case of V2>VR>V1, only the output ofcomparator 593 a will be active. The ‘AND’ gate 594 a will receive ‘1’from the comparator 593 a and ‘1’ as the output of the ‘NOT’ gate 596 b,and thus will activate PAYLOAD2 25 b, which will be the only payload tobe activated. Similarly, the ‘NOT’ gate 596 c and the ‘AND’ gate 594 bwill activate PAYLOAD3 25 c in the case wherein V3>VR>V2, and onlyPAYLOAD4 25 d is activated in the case of VR>V3. Assuming uniformdistribution of the analog random signal generator, the probabilities ofactivating a specific payload can be determined to be V1/10, (V2−V1)/10,(V3−V2)/10, (10−V3)/10 respectively for PAYLOAD1 25 a, PAYLOAD2 25 b,PAYLOAD3 25 c and PAYLOAD4 25 d. In the case of V1=2.5 VDC, V2=5.0 VDC,V3=7.5 VDC each of the payloads have the same probability of 25% to beactivated. In the example of V1=1.0 VDC, V2=3.0 VDC, V3=6.0 VDC, theactivation probabilities are 10% for PAYLOAD1 25 a, 20% for PAYLOAD2 25b, 30% for PAYLOAD3 25 c and 40% for PAYLOAD4 25 d.

The digital random signal generator 582 can be based on ‘True RandomNumber Generation IC RPG100/RPG100B’ available from FDK Corporation anddescribed in the data sheet ‘Physical Random number generatorRPG100.RPG100B’ REV. 08 publication number HM-RAE106-0812, which isincorporated in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forthherein. The digital random signal generator 582 can be hardware based,generating random numbers from a natural physical process or phenomenon,such as the thermal noise of semiconductor which has no periodicity.Typically, such hardware random number generators are based onmicroscopic phenomena such as thermal noise, shot noise, nucleardecaying radiation, photoelectric effect or other quantum phenomena, andtypically contain a transducer to convert some aspect of the physicalphenomenon to an electrical signal, an amplifier and other electronic tobring the output into a signal that can be converted into a digitalrepresentation by an analog to digital converter. In the case wheredigitized serial random number signals are generated, the output isconverted to parallel, such as 8 bits data, with 256 values of randomnumbers (values from 0 to 255). Alternatively, the digital random signalgenerator 582 can be software (or firmware) based, such as pseudo-randomnumber generators. Such generators include a processor for executingsoftware that includes an algorithm for generating numbers, whichapproximates the properties of random numbers.

The random signal generator (either analog or digital) may output asignal having uniform distribution, in which there is a substantially orpure equal probability of a signal falling between two defined limits,having no appearance outside these limits. However, Gaussian and otherdistribution may be equally used.

Mechanical Aspects.

Pictorial perspective views 600 and 605 of a module 601 are shown inFIG. 60, depicting an enclosure housing the hardware of a module. Whilea slave module is shown in the example, the same principles can beapplied to other types of modules such as master, splitter and loopbackmodules. A rectangular cross-section box with all sides flat (orsubstantially flat) is shown. Similarly, the box used may have (or bebased on) a cross section (horizontal or vertical) that is square,elongated, round or oval; sloped or domed top surfaces, or non-verticalsides. Similarly, the shape of a cube or right rectangular prism can beused, or can be based upon. A horizontal or vertical circular crosssection can be used (or be based upon) such as simple geometric shapessuch as a, cylinder, sphere, cone, pyramid and torus. Further, themodules in a system may all have (or based upon) the same enclosureshape, or alternatively each module (or a group of module) may useindividual shape different from other modules in the system. The moduleshape and the shape of the pre-defined structure resulting after properconnection and assembly of the modules may be amorphous, abstract,organic, conceptual, virtual, irregular, regular, figurative,biomorphic, geometric, partially geometric, conventional,unconventional, symmetric and asymmetric. Similarly, in the case thatthe modules are assembled to form a picture or image, the design can beabstract, symbolic, conceptual, virtual, realistic, relating to fantasyor dreams, and representational. Further, the modules and the connectingand attaching scheme can be designed and fabricated to fit any age andability. Furthermore, each of the modules can be fabricated of natural,man-made, composite and recycled material, such as paper, fabric, metal,wood, stone, rubber, foam, reciprocal and plastic. Further, a module mayhave any suitably rigid, flexible, bendable, multi-sided, electronic,digital, magnetic, stationary, moving, mechanical, reciprocal,sensory-related section, including a mechanism such as activation point,button and switch.

In one example, the module 610 shown in FIG. 60 may correspond to anyslave module (either 1-way or 2-way), such as the slave module 10 shownin FIG. 1, thus including two connectors. The connector 602 correspondsto the upstream connector 19 of the slave module 10, and the connector603 corresponds to the downstream connector 21 of the slave module 10.Connectors 602 and 603 are standard USB (universal Serial Bus)connectors, wherein connector 602 is a type ‘A’ plug and connector 603is a mating type ‘A’ receptacle, as described in ‘Universal serial Busspecification’ revision 1.0 dated Jan. 15, 1996, which is incorporatedin its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. The USBtype ‘A’ connectors are shaped as flattened rectangle, and includes fourterminals. Using different types of connectors (e.g., plugs andreceptacles) for each direction prevents the user from accidentallycreating a faulty connection, allowing for the retaining of a properactivation signal direction. Other connector shapes such as square andround can be equally used. Preferably, keyed connectors are used, suchthat they have some component which prevents mating except with specificconnectors or in a specific orientation. Other types of standardconnectors may be used. Preferably, standard data connectors (e.g.,digital data connectors) or standard power connectors can be used.

The USB type ‘A’ connectors 602 and 603 includes four pins, two forpower and two for data. Thus, these connectors may correspond toconnectors 19 and 21 of the slave module 340, shown to connect to thetwo power carrying conductors (341 a and 341 b upstream and 341 c and341 d downstream) added to the two signal carrying conductors (11 a and11 b upstream and 11 c and 11 d downstream). Other standard connectorsdesigned for systems wherein the wiring is carrying both power and datasignal may be equally used, such as IEEE1394 standard connectors. In oneexample, an edge card connector is used. An edge card connector iscommonly a portion of a printed circuit consisting of traces leading toedge of the board, that are intended to plug into a matching socket,commonly referred to as slot. In another example proprietary connectorsare used, thus preventing the potential user fault of connecting betweennon-mating systems, which may result in system damage or even a safetyhazard.

Pictorial perspective top view 610 is shown in FIG. 61, depicting twoslave modules 601 a and 601 b respectively having an upstream connectors602 a and 602 b and downstream connectors 603 a and 603 b. The slavemodules 601 a and 601 b are oriented such that the upstream plug 602 bof slave module 601 b is directed towards its mating slave module 601 adownstream receptacle 603 b, as also shown in the pictorial side view615 shown in FIG. 61 a.

Pictorial side view 620 shown in FIG. 62 depicts slave modules 601 a and601 b inter-engaged by plugging the connector 602 b into the matingreceptacle 601 a. The plugging provides both the electrical connectionas well as the mechanical attachment of the two modules to each other.The mechanical coupling may be interlocking or releasable. Similarly,the pictorial perspective top view 625 shown in FIG. 62a depicts threeconnected slave modules 601 a, 601 b and 601 c.

Pictorial perspective top views 630 and 635 of exemplary respectivesplitter modules 631 and 632 are shown in FIGS. 63 and 63 a. In oneexample, the splitter module 630 (or splitter module 635) shown maycorrespond to any splitter module, such as the splitter module 110 shownin FIG. 11 or the splitter module 60 shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, thesplitter module 636 (or splitter module 637) shown in FIG. 63a maycorrespond to any splitter module, such as the splitter module 110 shownin FIG. 11 or the splitter module 60 shown in FIG. 6. The connector 602corresponds to the upstream connector 19 of the splitter module, and theconnectors 603 a, 603 b and 603 b correspond to the respectivedownstream connectors 21 a, 21 b and 21 c of the splitter module.

A pictorial perspective top view of an exemplary master module 640 isshown in FIG. 64. A downstream connector 603 is shown, corresponding tothe connector 21 shown, for example, for the master module 140 in FIG.14a or master module 145 shown in FIG. 14b , and the push-button switch643 shown on the module 640 enclosure top corresponds to the switch 141shown above as an inherent part of any master module. The master module640 is powered by a battery 321, housed in the battery compartment 641.The battery may power feed only module 640 or part or all of the systemas described above. Power switch 642 is an ON/OFF switch for poweringthe module or the system, and LED 644 serves as a visual indicator toindicate that the module (and/or the system) is powered.

Pictorial perspective top views 648 a and 648 b of exemplary respectiveAC-powered master modules 645 are shown in FIGS. 64a and 64b . The ACpower plug 647 corresponds to the AC plug 373 and the power cable 646corresponds to the cable 374, described above for any AC-powered module.

Pictorial perspective top views 650 a and 650 b of an exemplary systemare shown in FIGS. 65 and 65 a. The system shown is using AC-poweredmaster modules 645 connected to three connected slave modules 601 a, 601b and 601 c shown connected in view 625 in FIG. 62a . Pictorialperspective top views 660 a and 660 b of an exemplary system are shownin FIGS. 66 and 66 a. The system shown is using AC-powered mastermodules 645 connected to a splitter module 631 shown in view 636 in FIG.63 a.

Pictorial perspective top views 670 a and 670 b of an exemplary systemare shown in FIGS. 67 and 67 a. The system shown is using AC-poweredmaster modules 645 connected to a splitter module 632 having threedownstream ports. Two slave modules 601 g and 601 h are connected inseries to one of the ports. Two slave modules 601 e and 601 f areconnected in series to another one of the ports. The third port connectsto the slave modules 601 a and 601 b, and then to a splitter module 631.The splitter module 631 has three ports, one connected to a slave module601 c and another connected to the slave module 601 d.

A pictorial perspective top views 681 a and 681 b of an exemplarymaster/splitter module 680 are respectively shown in FIGS. 68 and 68 a,corresponding for example to the master/splitter module 450 shown inFIG. 45. The master module 680 includes the elements described for themaster module 645 above, added to the splitter functionality providingfor three downstream connectors 603 a, 603 b and 603 c.

A pictorial perspective top view 695 of an exemplary master/splittermodule 690 is shown in FIG. 69, corresponding for example to themaster/splitter module 450 shown in FIG. 45. The master/splitter module690 enclosure is a triangle shaped box, having a downstream connectionin each of its side planes, such as downstream connectors 603 a, 603 band 603 c (not shown in the figure). A pictorial perspective top view ofan exemplary system 700 is shown in FIG. 70, showing slave modules 601a, 601 b and 601 c connected to one downstream connection, slave modules601 d, 601 e and 601 f connected to a second downstream connection, andslave modules 601 g, 601 h and 601 i connected to the third downstreamconnection.

Similarly, a pictorial perspective top view 715 of an exemplarymaster/splitter module 710 is shown in FIG. 71, corresponding forexample to the master/splitter module 450 shown in FIG. 45. Themaster/splitter module 710 enclosure is a square shaped box, having adownstream connection in each of its side planes, such as downstreamconnectors 603 a, 603 b, 603 c and 603 d (last two not shown in thefigure). A pictorial perspective top view of an exemplary system 720 isshown in FIG. 72, showing slave modules 601 a, 601 b and 601 c connectedto one downstream connection, slave modules 601 d, 601 e and 601 fconnected to a second downstream connection, slave modules 601 g, 601 hand 601 i connected to the third downstream connection, and slavemodules 601 j, 601 k and 601 l connected to the fourth downstreamconnection.

In another similarly example, a pictorial perspective top view 735 of anexemplary master/splitter module 730 is shown in FIG. 73, correspondingfor example to the master/splitter module 450 shown in FIG. 45. Themaster/splitter module 730 enclosure is a circle shaped box, having fivedownstream connections evenly spread around in perimeter, such asdownstream connectors 603 a, 603 b, 603 c, 603 d and 603 e (last two notshown in the figure). A pictorial perspective top view of an exemplarysystem 740 is shown in FIG. 74, showing slave modules 601 a, 601 b and601 c connected to one downstream connection, slave modules 601 d, 601 eand 601 f connected to a second downstream connection, slave modules 601g, 601 h and 601 i connected to the third downstream connection, slavemodules 601 j, 601 k and 601 l connected to the fourth downstreamconnection, and slave modules 601 m, 601 n and 601 o connected to thefifth downstream connection.

The shape of a single module, few modules or of a system formed byconnected modules may be according to a theme. The theme may provide foramusement, education, entertainment and a better user experience. In oneexample, the theme relates to animals, such as ducks. Slave modules 751a and 751 b, shaped as ducklings, are shown in views 755 and 756 in therespective FIGS. 75 and 75 a. The ‘duckling’-shaped slave modules 751 aand 751 b contain respectively upstream connectors 602 a and 602 b anddownstream connectors 603 a and 603 b. FIG. 76 shows a master module 750that is shaped as a bigger ducks thus mimicking the ‘mother-duck’,having a downstream connector 603. System 760 shown in FIG. 76 containsthe master module (‘mother-duck’) 750 and three connected slave modules(‘ducklings’) 751 a, 751 b and 751 c.

In one example, the theme relates to man-made objects, such astransportation. A master module 770 shaped as a locomotive and slavemodules 771 a and 771 b shaped as train cars are shown in views 775 and776 in the FIGS. 77 and 77 a. The train car shaped slave modules 771 aand 771 b contain respectively upstream connectors 602 a and 602 b anddownstream connectors 603 a and 603 b. The master module 770 has amating downstream connector 603. A train shaped system 780 shown in FIG.78 contains the master module (‘locomotive’) 770 and two connected slavemodules (‘train cars’) 771 a and 771 b. Similarly, train shaped system781 shown in FIG. 78a contains the master module (locomotive) 770 andthree connected slave modules (‘train cars’) 771 a, 771 b and 771 c.

In one example, the LEGO® strips are used for connecting the modules toeach other, providing both electrical connection and mechanicalaffixing. A slave module 790 using LEGO® strips is shown in FIG. 79.View 791 a is a perspective view, view 791 b is a side view, view 791 cis a top view and view 791 d is a bottom view of the slave module 790.The upstream connection uses the LEGO® strip 792, which is lower thanthe downstream LEGO® strip 793. In FIG. 80, view 800 a is a side viewand view 800 b is a top view of the two connected modules 790 a and 790b. A perspective top view 800 c and a perspective top view 800 d of thetwo connected modules 790 a and 790 b are shown in FIG. 80a . Similarly,three connected slave modules 790 a, 790 b and 790 c are shown in view801 in FIG. 80 b.

An AC-powered master/splitter module 810 is shown in view 811 in FIG.81. The master/splitter module 810 is based on the master/splittermodule 710 shown in FIG. 71, where the USB connectors are replaced withthe LEGO® strips 792 a, 792 b, 792 c and 792 d. The master/splittermodule 810 can be connected to a plurality of slave modules 790 a-1 asshown in view 820 in FIG. 82, and can be connected in a circle as shownin view 830 in FIG. 83.

A module may include multiple payloads, as exampled in slave module 840shown in FIG. 84. The slave module 840 includes integrated lamp 841(which can be an LED), and two sounders (or any other sound emittingdevices such as speakers) having their sounds passing through holesscreens 842 a and 842 b. The lamp 841 can be used as a payload (and thuscontrolled or activated in response to the activation signal) or can beused only for notifying power availability in the module, and thusilluminated as long as power is available in the module. The module 840further includes a rotary dial 843 allowing the user to manually selecta value in the range of 0 to 10 seconds. This knob may be correspondingto control the potentiometer 32 shown in slave module 30 shown in FIG.3, introducing a time delay selectable in the 0-10 seconds range. Asimilar knob may be used to continuously control any other parameter ina module, such as the manual setting of potentiometer 592 used in themodule 195 shown in FIG. 19a . The module 840 further includes a knob844 allowing the user to select between multiple discrete values. Theuser can manually set the switch to select from 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50seconds. This knob may control the multiple throws switch 33 shown inslave module 30 shown in FIG. 3, introducing a time delay selectable inthe 0-50 seconds range with 10 seconds steps. Similar knob and relatedmeans may be used to control any other parameter in a module byselecting from multiple discrete values.

While the invention has been exampled above with regard totwo-dimensional (2-D) structure, wherein the modules are all connectedto form a substantially planar structure, it will be appreciated thatthe invention equally applies to three-dimensional structure (3-D)wherein the system formed by the modules connections is athree-dimensional shape. For example, the system 700 shown in FIG. 70involves a master module 690 connected to three branches, all connectedand attached as a single layer over a horizontal plane. Similar 3-Dsystems 850 and 860 are respectively shown in FIGS. 85 and 86. In system850 the master module 690 is substituted with a master module 851,having a set of downstream connectors 603 a, 603 b and 603 c allowingfor horizontal connections similar to the system 700. Further, themaster module 851 includes three downstream connectors 603 d, 603 e and603 f, allowing for connecting slave modules vertically to the mastermodule 851 plane. The three branches (each including three slavemodules) are shown connected in parallel to each other, and verticallyto the horizontal plane used in system 700. In system 860 the threebranches are connected horizontally as in system 700 shown in FIG. 70.Further, the slave module 601 f connected in the end of the branchincluding the slave modules 601 d and 601 e is replaced with the slavemodule 601 f 1, having two downstream connections 603 h and 603 g. Thelatter downstream connection 603 g is vertical to the downstreamconnection 603 h, allowing for connecting modules vertical to the slavemodule 601 f 1 plane. Similarly, the slave modules 601 c and 601 i arerespectively substituted with slave modules 601 c 1 and 601 i 1, havinga vertical downstream port. The vertical downstream connector in slavemodule 601 c 1 connects to a branch including slave modules 601 l, 601 mand 601 n, which are vertical to the horizontal plane. Similarly, thevertical downstream connector in slave module 601 i 1 connects to abranch including slave modules 601 i, 601 j and 601 k, which arevertical to the horizontal plane. Connection allowing connection anglesother than 90 degrees can equally be used, allowing for firming various3-D structures.

Examples of engaging parts to form a 3-D structure are disclosed in U.S.Patent Application 2009/0127785 to Kishon entitled: “Puzzle”, U.S. Pat.No. 6,692,001 to Romano entitled: “Multi-Layered Decorative PuzzleApparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,914 to Saltanov et al. entitled: “Multidimensional Puzzle”, U.S. Pat. No. 2,493,697 to Raczkowski entitled:“Profile Building Puzzle”, U.S. Patent Application 2009/0127785 toKishon entitled: “Puzzle” and U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,176 to Auerbachentitled: “Three-Dimensional Puzzle”, which are all incorporated intheir entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

In one embodiment, a semiconductor light source such as aLight-Emitting-Diode (LED) is used as the payload, having small formfactor and high efficiency. However, any type of visible electric lightemitter such as a flashlight, a liquid crystal display, an incandescentlamp and compact fluorescent lamps can be used.

Referring to FIG. 87, a system 870 is shown, based on system 850 shownin FIG. 85. System 870 is shown as a toy modeling a traffic light, suchas is commonly used for signaling to control traffic flow, such aspositioned at road intersections or pedestrian crossings. System 870includes three branches, each modeling three traffic lights. One trafficlight includes slave modules 871 d, 871 e and 871 f, respectivelyincluding lamps 872 d, 872 e and 872 f (serving as payloads). Forexample, the lamps 872 f, 872 e and 872 d, respectively, which canilluminate in red, amber and green colors, are illuminated sequentially,simulating a real-life traffic light. Similarly, the other traffic lightincludes slave modules 871 a, 871 b and 871 c, respectively includinglamps 872 a, 872 b and 872 c. Another traffic light includes slavemodules 871 g, 871 h and 871 i. Similarly, system 870 can be used toactually control a real-life traffic light, or any other system whereinsequential lighting of lamps is required.

In one aspect of the invention, the light source in a module is used toilluminate a symbol, such as a number, a letter or a word. Such systemsmay be used as part of signage systems, providing visual graphics fordisplaying information. A user may select from a variety of modules eachhaving a different symbol, to form a custom-made signage based on theselected modules and the way they are interconnected. An example of asignage system 880 is shown in FIG. 88, based on system 650 a shown inFIG. 65. The master module 710 is connected to four slave modules 881 a,881 b, 881 c and 881 d, respectively displaying the letters ‘A’, ‘B’,‘C’, and ‘D’ when the internal light source (serving as a payload) isilluminating. Hence, the word ABCD is shown, wherein one, few or all theletters are illuminated based on the payload activation logic within themodules. In the example of system 885 shown in FIG. 89, the name ‘JOHN’is formed by the four slave modules 881 e, 881 f, 881 g and 881 h,respectively associated with the letters ‘J’, ‘O’, ‘H’ and ‘N’. Theinvention can be similarly used to display word messages in a variety offashions and formats, such as scrolling, static, bold and flashing. Themodules can further display visual display material beyond words andcharacters, such as arrows, symbols, ASCII and non-ASCII characters,still images such as pictures and video. The payload may include animage or video display which may be alpha-numeric only or analog videodisplay, and may use technologies such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display),FED (Field Emission Display, or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube).

Multiple Payloads.

While some of the examples above described a single payload associatedwith a module, in one aspect of the invention a plurality of payloadsmay be controlled or activated by a single module. An example of such aslave module 900 is shown as part of a system 905 shown in FIG. 90,based on slave module 540 shown in FIG. 54. Three payloads, designatedas PAYLOAD1 531 a, PAYLOAD2 531 b and PAYLOAD3 531 c are shown, poweredfrom the same power source 511. The payloads may be independent orseparated, or alternatively part of the same payload system. Forexample, each switch may power or activate a distinct function withinthe payload system. Further, each payload may be powered from a separatepower source. While three payloads are described, any number of payloadsmay be equally used. The PAYLOAD1 531 a is activated by switch 541 a,PAYLOAD2 531 b is activated by switch 541 b and PAYLOAD3 531 c isactivated by switch 541 c. The switches connect to the respectivepayloads and the power source (or power sources) via connector 901.Similarly, the payloads (and/or the power source) may be enclosed withinthe module, and thus obviating the need for the connector 901. One, fewor all the payloads may be activated by the TRIG signal as describedabove. In one aspect, each payload is associated with a dedicated timerin the slave module 900, and thus activated in different delays afterthe activation signal is received. In another aspect, only one payloadout of the three is activated in response to receiving of an activationsignal, based on a preset logic. In one example, the payload to beactivated is randomly selected as described with regard to module 595shown in FIG. 59b . In another example, a different payload issequentially and cyclically selected each time in response to receivingof an activation signal. For example, the first activation signalreceived will activate PAYLOAD1 531 a, the next will activate PAYLOAD2531 b, the next will activate PAYLOAD3 531 c, to be followed again byPAYLOAD1 531 a. Further, a different payload may be selected based onthe direction of the activation signal propagation, as described withregard to slave module 200 shown in FIG. 20. Further, any logiccombining few of the above mechanisms may be used.

While some of the examples above described a dedicated payload (orpayloads) associated with each module, in one aspect of the invention apayload (or a plurality of payloads) may be controlled or activated bytwo or more modules. An example of such a system 910 is shown in FIG.91, exampled by using two slave modules 900 a and 900 b, each as shownin FIG. 90. The three payloads, designated as PAYLOAD1 531 a, PAYLOAD2531 b and PAYLOAD3 531 c are shown, powered from the same power source511. The payloads may be independent or separated, or alternatively partof the same system. Further, each payload may be powered from a separatepower source. While three payloads are described, any number of payloadsmay be equally used. The PAYLOAD1 531 a can be activated by switch 541 ain slave module 900 a or by switch 541 d in slave module 900 b.Similarly, PAYLOAD2 531 b can be activated by switch 541 b in slavemodule 900 a or by switch 541 e in slave module 900 b, and PAYLOAD3 531c can be activated by switch 541 c in slave module 900 a or by switch541 f in slave module 900 b. The slave module 900 a connects to thepayloads via connector 901 a and the slave module 900 b connects to thepayloads via connector 901 b. The logic for activating the payloads maybe identical in two or all the modules connected in the system. Thepower source 511 and the payloads 531 a, 531 b and 531 c may beintegrated and housed in one of the modules. In one embodiment, thepayloads 531 and/or the power source 511 are housed within the mastermodule housing.

The wiring infrastructure relating to connecting to the payloads (and tothe power source) is shown in FIG. 91 to be distinct from the wiringused for connecting the modules to form the network. Alternatively, theconnection to the payload (or payloads) may use the modules as the partof the connections infrastructure, exampled in system 925 shown in FIG.92. While the power source 511 and the payloads 531 are either locatedexternally to the system or part of one or more modules in the system(e.g., in a master module), each module further contains two connectorsfor passing the payloads activation wiring in the system. The slavemodule 920 a is shown to have a connector 922 b for connecting thepayloads control wires to a former module and a connector 921 b forconnecting the payloads control wires to a next module. Similarly, theslave module 920 b is shown to have a connector 922 a for connecting thepayloads control wires to a former module and a connector 921 a forconnecting the payloads control wires to a next module. The system 925is formed by connecting the payloads control wires between connectedmodules, such as connecting connector 921 b of module 920 a to connector922 a of module 920 b. The payloads 531 and the power source 511 areconnected to the payloads control wires via connector 921 a of module920 b, and thus each module connected in the system has access to thepayload control wires for activating the various payloads. Preferably,the connectors used to connect the activation signal in the system suchas connector 19 for upstream connection and connector 21 for downstreamconnection are respectively combined with connector 922 and connector921, allowing for easy system forming by using a single pair ofconnectors for connecting between a pair of modules.

While the example in FIG. 91 above described controls a payload bypowering it ‘on’ or ‘off’ or activating a function within the payload(or payloads), in one aspect of the invention a payload (or a pluralityof payloads) may use analog control by a continuously variable signal bytwo or more modules. An example of such a system 935 is shown in FIG.93, exampled by using two slave modules 930 a and 930 b. The system 935includes a payload 932 powered by a power source 511. The payload 932 iscontinuously controlled by a resistance connected to wires 939 a and 939b. In response to an activation signal, the slave module 930 a connectsthe resistor 34 a connected to switch 541 a to the control wires 939 aand 939 b via connector 931 a. Similarly, the slave module 930 bconnects the resistor 34 b connected to switch 541 b to the controlwires 939 a and 939 b via connector 931 b. The resistance values ofresistors 34 a and 34 b may be different, hence the payload 932 respondsdifferently to each activation cycle (of each connected module) based onthe connected resistor value. The control wires 939 a and 939 b may beconnected as part of the system wiring as exampled in system 945 shownin FIG. 94, wherein slave modules 940 a and 940 b respectively useupstream connectors 942 a and 942 b and respective downstream connectors941 a and 941 b to carry the control wires throughout the system.Further, while the example in FIG. 93 above described control of apayload by means of resistance, any other analog signal may be used. Forexample, system 936 shown in FIG. 93a discloses an analog voltagecontrolled payload 938 controlled by the analog voltage in wire 939 c.The slave modules 937 a and 937 b respectively contain a voltagereference 592 a and 592 b, connected via the respective switch 541 a and541 b and via the respective connectors 931 a and 931 b to the analogvoltage control wire 939 c. Hence, upon activation of one of the slavemodules, the reference voltage is switched to the control line 939 c tocontrol the payload 938.

The payload 25 may include an annunciator, defined as any visual oraudible signaling device, or any other device that indicates a status tothe person. In one embodiment according to the invention, theannunciator is a visual signaling device. In one example, the deviceilluminates a visible light, such as a Light-Emitting-Diode (LED) 841shown as part of module 840 shown in FIG. 84. However, any type ofvisible electric light emitter such as a flashlight, an incandescentlamp and compact fluorescent lamps can be used. Multiple light emittersmay be used, and the illumination may be steady, blinking or flashing.Further, the illumination can be directed for lighting a surface, suchas a surface including an image or a picture. Further, a singlesingle-state visual indicator may be used to provide multipleindications, for example by using different colors (of the same visualindicator), different intensity levels, variable duty-cycle and soforth. In one example, the invention is used for electricallyilluminated a Christmas tree or other decorative or festive lighting.Such Christmas lights (also called twinkle lights, holiday lights, andmini lights in the US and fairy lights in the UK) are commonly based onstrands of electric lights used to decorate homes, public/commercialbuildings and Christmas trees, and come in a dazzling array ofconfigurations and colors. Further, the visual signaling may beassociated with the module or system theme or shape. Such conceptualrelationship may include, for example, the light emitters' brightness,appearance, location, type, color and steadiness that are influenced bythe module or system theme, providing a surprising and illustrativeresult.

In one example, the system is used for sound or music generation. Forexample, the modules may serve as a construction toy block as part of amusic toy instrument. An example of a music generation system is shownin FIG. 95, showing a system 950. The system 950 is based on system 945shown in FIG. 94, wherein the payload 932 is exampled by a resistorcontrolled music generator 951. The generator 951 includes soundingmeans controlled by the resistance connected. For example, theresistance may control the tone to be heard by the generator 951.

A pictorial view 960 of music-associated slave modules 961 a, 961 b, 961c and 961 d is shown in FIG. 96. The music-associated slave modules 961a, 961 b, 961 c and 961 d respectively include upstream connectors 602a, 602 b, 602 c and 602 d and downstream connectors 603 a, 603 b, 603 cand 603 d. Each of the slave modules 961 a, 961 b, 961 c and 961 d isassociated with a musical tune (or a tone) or any other single sound,which is played upon activation of the music-associated slave module. Atimbre sound element may also be used to select the timbre or othertonal characteristics of the output sounds. The sounding generationmeans may be included in the slave module, or alternatively the musicgenerator is external to the modules, and is only controlled by themodules, as exampled in any of the systems above such as in system 950shown in FIG. 95. The sign of the musical tune to be played by eachmodule is printed, engraved or labeled on the module external surface.Upon connecting the music-associated slave-modules, the system plays themusical tunes in the sequence of connecting the modules, thus sounding amelody or song. An example of such a system 965 is shown in FIG. 96a ,pictorially illustrating the music-associated slave modules 961 a, 961b, 961 c and 961 d shown in FIG. 96 connected to form a system. Uponreceiving an activating signal in connector 602 a of the slave module961 a, the music tone associated with the slave module 961 a will besounded, sequentially followed by the musical notes associated with theslave modules 961 b, 961 c and 961 d. Assuming two-way activation signalpropagation is supported, in the case of receiving an activating signalin connector 603 d of the slave module 961 d, the music tune associatedwith the slave module 961 d will be sounded, sequentially followed bythe musical notes associated with the slave modules 961 c, 961 b and 961a, thus playing the musical tunes in reverse order, adding amusement andsurprise to the user. Further, the sound produced by a module canemulate the sounds of a conventional acoustical music instruments, suchas a piano, tuba, harp, violin, flute, guitar and so forth. In oneexample, a module can be shaped as a miniature of the music instrumentassociated with its sound.

In order to ease the association of the music-associated slave moduleswith the musical tune, the modules may be identified by the signage ormarking on the modules, which may be the actual musical notation(identified as a note in a musical staff), tune name, a number, asymbol, a letter, a color or any other simpler association. For example,if the modules are numbered such as ‘DO’=1, ‘RE’=2. ‘MI’=3 etc., theuser can be instructed to build the module according to a specific ordersuch as 1-4-4-5-2-3-7, where upon activation the notes are played in theconnection sequence, corresponding to the notes in a set song, a melodyor any other audible theme. View 970 in FIG. 97 shows threemusic-associated slave modules 971 a, 971 b and 971 c, respectivelyincluding upstream connectors 602 a, 602 b and 602 c and downstreamconnectors 603 a, 603 b and 603 c (not shown). View 975 in FIG. 97ashows eight such music-associated slave modules 971 a, 971 b, 971 c, 971d, 971 e, 971 f, 971 g and 971 h (slave module 971 h may be identical toslave module 971 a associated with the musical note ‘DO’) orientedbefore their connection to form system 811 shown in FIG. 97b . Uponactivation, a full octave will be played from ‘DO’ to the next ‘DO’.

In another example, the music associated payload includes sound or musicgeneration by mechanical means. System 980 in FIG. 98 shows a pictorialview of a slave module 982 including upstream connector 602 anddownstream connector 603, connected to a payload which is a bear-shapedtoy 981 with drum sticks 986 a and 986 b for beating the drum 985. Thebear toy 981 is connected via cable 983 and connector 984 to the slavemodule 982. Upon activating of the payload, the drum beating isactivated for providing amusement. The toy bear 981 may be powered fromthe slave module 982 over the cable 983 or alternatively to beindependently powered by a battery or external power source. The modulesmay be alternatively shaped as music instruments or music tunes, or ingeneral according to any music theme.

While FIG. 98 shows the toy bear 981 as a payload external to the slavemodule 982, the functionalities of the payload and the slave module 982can be integrated into a single device, such as the bear-shaped toy unit987 shown in view 985 a in FIG. 98a . The unit 987 includes the slavemodule functionality, and thus has two connectors 603 a and 603 blocated on the bear-shape back for connecting to other modules.Alternatively, the connectors may be located in other places on theunit. FIG. 98b shows a rear view 988 a and perspective rear views 988 band 988 c of a toy bear-shaped module 988. The left leg of the moduleincludes the upstream connector 602 allowing for upstream connecting toother modules, such as to the music-associated slave modules 971 c, 971b and 971 a shown in system 989 in FIG. 98c . The right leg of themodule includes the downstream connector 603 (not shown) allowing fordownstream connecting to other modules, such as to music-associatedslave modules 971 d, 971 e and 971 f shown in system 989 in FIG. 98c .Such a system includes both synthetic music generation in slave modules971 a-f played together with mechanical sound generation in module 988.In another example, the payload includes sounding by means of actualcymbals 992 a and 992 b, being part of a toy bear 991 as shown in system990 in FIG. 99. Similar to view 985 a, the toy bear-shaped housing 993may include the slave module functionality as shown in view 995 in FIG.99 a.

In one embodiment according to the invention, the annunciator is anaudible signaling device, emitting audible sounds that can be heard(having frequency components in the 20-20,000 Hz band). In one example,the device is a buzzer (or beeper), a chime, a whistler or a ringer.Buzzers are known in the art and are either electromechanical orceramic-based piezoelectric sounders which make a high-pitch noise. Thesounder may emit a single or multiple tones, and can be in continuous orintermittent operation. In another example, the sounder simulates thevoice of a human being or generates music, typically by using anelectronic circuit having a memory for storing the sounds (e.g., music,song, voice message, etc.), a digital to analog converter to reconstructthe electrical representation of the sound and driver for driving aloudspeaker, which is an electro-acoustical transducer that converts anelectrical signal to sound. An example of a greeting card providingmusic and mechanical movement is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application2007/0256337 to Segan entitled: “User Interactive Greeting Card”, whichis incorporated in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forthherein.

The audible signaling may be associated with the module or the systemtheme or shape. For example, the sounder appearance, as well as thesound volume, type and steadiness may be influenced by the theme,providing a surprising and illustrative result. For example, the shapemay include household appliance associated with a specific sound such asthe ringing of a telephone set, the buzzer of the entrance bell or thebell sound or a microwave oven. Other examples are a horn of anautomobile, the rattling ‘chik-chuk’ sound of a train and a siren of anemergency vehicle such as a police car, an ambulance or a fire-enginetruck. In such a case, the sounder will preferably generate a soundwhich simulates or is similar to the real sound associated with thetheme, e.g., a telephone ringing for a telephone set and a siren soundfor a police car. In another example, the puzzle picture (or shape)include an animal, and the sounder produces the characteristic sound ofthe animal, such as barking for a dog, yowling for a cat and twitteringof a bird. Such system can be used for audio-visual learning forteaching small children by association of an object such as a musicalinstruments or an animal which produces a distinctive sound with theviewable indicia associated therewith.

In one example the sound generated is music or song. The elements of themusic such as pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and itsassociated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics, and thesonic qualities of timbre and texture, may be associated with the shapetheme. For example, if a musical instrument shown in the picture, themusic generated by that instrument will be played, e.g., drumming soundof drums and playing of a flute or guitar.

In one example according to the invention, a song or a melody of a songare played by the annunciator. Preferably, the song (or its melody) isassociated with a module or system shape or theme. For example, thetheme can be related to the calendar such as season or a holiday. Forexample, a theme of winter season showing rain or snow will beassociated with a song about rain (such as “rain, rain”) or aboutsnowing, while a spring related theme may play the ‘Spring Song’.Similarly, a theme of Christmas may be associated with Christmas relatedsongs such as ‘Santa Claus is coming to town’ or ‘Jingle Bells’. Inanother example, the theme includes an animal, and the song played iscorresponding to the specific animal, such as the song ‘Mary had aLittle Lamb’ for a theme showing a lamb, the song ‘swan Lake’ for a swanor ‘B-I-N-G-O’ for a dog theme. In the case that the theme relates to aspecific location or a specific geography location or region (such as acontinent, island, river, region, famous places, country, city etc.), acorresponding song may be played. For example, if the theme includes amap of a country (e.g., United-States) or the puzzle is shaped as themap of a country or a continent, a popular song related to the countryor its national anthem (e.g., “The Star-Spangled Banner” for the US) maybe played, thus helping in improving children learning about the worldand geography. Some examples of geography related puzzles are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,581 to Barrett entitled: “Map Puzzle Game” andU.S. Patent Application 2008/0224396 to Cocis et al. entitled: “JigsawEducational Game”, which are all incorporated in their entirety for allpurposes as if fully set forth herein.

Other famous places may include the song ‘London Bridge’ for a theme ofLondon or a bridge. In the case the theme relates to a specific activity(e.g., birthday party), the song or melody may correspond to theoccasion (e.g., ‘Happy Birthday’ song). Similarly, a theme relating tohousehold appliance (e.g. telephone) will be associated with a relevantrelated song (e.g. ‘Mr. Telephone Man’). In the case the image (orshape) relates to a television or cinema character (e.g., ‘Bob Sponge’and ‘Spiderman’), the song may be associated with the respective movieor television show opening melody or song. The same goes fortransportation, space and other common children or adult themes.

In one example according to the invention, a human voice talking isplayed by the annunciator. The sound may be a syllable, a word, aphrase, a sentence, a short story or a long story, and can be based onspeech synthesis or pre-recorded. Male or female voice can be used,being young or old. The text sounded is preferably associated with theshape or theme. For example, a name of the theme of the system can beheard, such as ‘dog’, ‘truck’ and ‘mountain’. Further, the story heardmay be related to the theme, or can describe the items shown in theimage. In another example, general encouraging, thanking or praisingphrases can be made such as ‘good work’, ‘excellent’ and‘congratulations’. Further, a greeting such as ‘Merry Christmas’ can beplayed for a Christmas related theme. In another example, each moduleplays part of an audio chapter such as a song, melody, story or text.Each module plays part of the audio chapter such as a work, tune,syllable or word, such that when properly connected, the whole audiochapter is played. Such ‘audio puzzle’ provides amusement and can beplayed by children, trying to find the correct order of modules assemblyto be rewarded by the complete and properly played audio part.

A tone, voice, melody or song sounder typically contains a memorystoring a digital representation of the pre-recorder or synthesizedvoice or music, a digital to analog (D/A) converter for creating ananalog signal, a speaker and a driver for feeding the speaker. Anannunciator, which includes a sounder, may be based on Holtek HT3834CMOS VLSI Integrated Circuit (IC) named ‘36 Melody Music Generator’available from Holtek Semiconductor Inc., headquartered in Hsinchu,Taiwan, and described with application circuits in a data sheet Rev.1.00 dated Nov. 2, 2006, which is incorporated in their entirety for allpurposes as if fully set forth herein. Similarly, the sounder may bebased on EPSON 7910 series ‘Multi-Melody IC’ available from Seiko-EpsonCorporation, Electronic Devices Marketing Division located in Tokyo,Japan, and described with application circuits in a data sheet PF226-04dated 1998, which is incorporated in its entirety for all purposes as iffully set forth herein. A human voice synthesizer may be based onMagnevation SpeakJet chip available from Magnevation LLC and describedin ‘Natural Speech & Complex Sound Synthesizer’ described in User'sManual Revision 1.0 Jul. 27, 2004, which is incorporated in its entiretyfor all purposes as if fully set forth herein. A general audiocontroller may be based on OPTi 82C931 ‘Plug and Play Integrated AudioController’ described in Data Book 912-3000-035 Revision: 2.1 publishedon Aug. 1, 1997, which is incorporated in its entirety for all purposesas if fully set forth herein. Similarly, a music synthesizer may bebased on YMF721 OPL4-ML2 FM+Wavetable Synthesizer LSI available fromYamaha Corporation described in YMF721 Catalog No. LSI-4MF721A20, whichis incorporated in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forthherein.

Some examples of prior-art toys that include generation of an audiosignal such as music are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,149 toSchwartzberg entitled: “Game Apparatus Utilizing Controllable AudioSignals”, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,260 to Breedlove et al. entitled:“Electronic Learning Aid or Game having Synthesized Speech”, in U.S.Pat. No. 7,414,186 to Scarpa et al. entitled: “System and Method forTeaching Musical Notes”, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,255 to Lee et al.entitled: “ Electronic Instructional Apparatus”, in U.S. Pat. No.4,248,123 to Bunger et al. entitled: “Electronic Piano” and in U.S. Pat.No. 4,796,891 to Milner entitled: “Musical Puzzle Using Sliding Tiles”,and toys with means for synthesizing human voice are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,527,611 to Cummings entitled: “Place and Find Toy”, and inU.S. Pat. No. 4,840,602 to Rose entitled: “Talking Doll Responsive toExternal Signal”, which are all incorporated in their entirety for allpurposes as if fully set forth herein. A music toy kit combining musictoy instrument with a set of construction toy blocks is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,132,281 to Klitsner et al. entitled: “Music Toy Kit” andin U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,129 to Wisniewski et al. entitled: “ElectronicSound Generating Toy”, which are incorporated in their entirety for allpurposes as if fully set forth herein.

In one example according to the invention, the annunciator is a smokegeneration unit, mimicking the generation of a real life smoking such asa smoke of a real train. Preferably, such implementation may relate to atheme of a train having a smoking locomotive or a fire. Some examples ofsmoke generation units are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,278 to Wellsentitled: “Smoke Generation System for Model Top Applications” and U.S.Pat. No. 7,297,045 to Pierson et al. entitled: “Smart Smoke Unit”, whichare all incorporated in their entirety for all purposes as if fully setforth herein.

Wireless.

The payload 25 may be external to the module, such as module 30 shown inFIG. 3 above. The module 30 includes a connector 31 and a cable orwiring for connecting the control ‘GATE’ 22 signal to the payload 25.Alternatively, the payload 25 may be controlled via the air withoutusing any conductive connection. For example, wireless communicationover the air may be used to convey the control information from themodule to the payload 25. In this embodiment, the module furtherincludes a wireless transceiver (or transmitter) coupled to the controlor activation signal, for transmitting this information over the air tothe payload, to be received by a mating wireless transceiver associatedwith the payload 25. The communication may be based on Wireless PersonalArea Network (WPAN). In one example, ZWave or ZigBee standard based onIEEE 802.15.4-2003 may be used for the wireless communication and thewireless transceiver.

Non-limiting other examples of WPAN systems include Bluetooth, whichaccording to IEEE 802.15.1 standard, for example, operates overlicense-free ISM band at 2.45 GHz and Ultra-Wide-band (UWB), whichaccording to the IEEE 802.15.3 standard, for example, uses a wavelet.Other wireless technologies may be used, using either licensed frequencybands or unlicensed frequency band, such as the frequency bands utilizedin the Industrial, scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency spectrum. Inthe US, three of the bands within the ISM spectrum are the A band,902-928 MHz; the B band, 2.4-2.484 GHz (referred to as 2.4 GHz); and theC band, 5.725-5.875 GHz (referred to as 5 GHz).

The invention equally applies to any other wireless based technology,using either single or multi carrier signals for implementing eitherspread spectrum or narrowband, using either unlicensed bands (such asISM) or licensed spectrum. Such technology may be part of the IEEE802.11 (such as IEEE 802.11a/b, IEEE 802.11g or IEEE 802.11n), ETSIHiperLAN/2 or any technology used for WLAN, home networking or PAN(Personal Area Network). One non-limiting example is using IEEE 802.11bbased on CCK (Complementary Code Keying). Other non-limiting examplesare BlueTooth™, UWB and HomeRF™. Furthermore, WAN (Wide Area Network)and other wireless technologies may be used, such as cellulartechnologies (e.g., GSM, GPRS, 2.5G, 3G, UMTS, DCS, PCS and CDMA) andLocal Loop oriented technologies (WLL—Wireless Local Loop) such asWiMax, WCDMA and other Fixed Wireless technologies, including microwavebased technologies. Similarly, satellite based technologies andcomponents may be equally used. While the technologies mentioned aboveare all standards-based, proprietary and non-standards technologies maybe equally used according to present invention. Furthermore, theinvention may equally apply to using technologies and components used innon-radio based through-the-air wireless systems such as light (e.g.,infrared) or audio (e.g., ultrasonic) based communication systems.

It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the modules maybe made of paper (card-board), wood (stain sheets), synthetic resins(soft and hard material), synthetic material, stone materials, woven ornon-woven fabrics, cork, metals, leather, glass, plastic, cast metal,cast plaster, case stone, papier-mache or other materials and may have adesign imprinted on its exposed surface or surfaces or may have asurface sheet of imprinted design applied to its exposed surface orsurfaces. The modules may be individually molded pieces, assembled ofseparate pieces fitted and adhered together, or cut from a precastlarger piece. Further, the modules may be solid or hollow.

The module electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuit (IC) andrelated devices) may be based on a discrete logic or an integrateddevice, such as a processor, microprocessor or microcomputer, and mayinclude a general-purpose device or may be a special purpose processingdevice, such as an ASIC, PAL, PLA, PLD, Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA), Gate Array, or other customized or programmable device. Forexample, a timer can be implemented by a counted loop executed insoftware. In the case of a programmable device as well as in otherimplementations, a memory is required. The memory may include a staticRAM (random Access Memory), dynamic RAM, flash memory, ROM (Read OnlyMemory), or any other data storage medium. The memory may include data,algorithms, programs, and/or instructions and any other software orfirmware executable by the processor. The control logic can beimplemented in hardware or in software, such as a firmware stored in thememory. The term “processor” herein is meant to include any integratedcircuit or other electronic device (or collection of devices) capable ofperforming an operation on at least one instruction including, withoutlimitation, reduced instruction set core (RISC) processors, CISCmicroprocessors, microcontroller units (MCUs), CISC-based centralprocessing units (CPUs), and digital signal processors (DSPs). Thehardware of such devices may be integrated onto a single substrate(e.g., silicon “die”), or distributed among two or more substrates.Furthermore, various functional aspects of the processor may beimplemented solely as software or firmware associated with theprocessor. In accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented by softwareprograms executable by a processor or a computer system. Further, in anexemplary, non-limited embodiment, implementations can includedistributed processing, component/object distributed processing, andparallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processingcan be constructed to implement one or more of the methods orfunctionality as described herein.

While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, theterm “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiplemedia, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associatedcaches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capableof storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution bya processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or moreof the methods or operations disclosed herein. In a particularnon-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium caninclude a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package thathouses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, thecomputer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatilere-writable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium caninclude a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes orother storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signalcommunicated over a transmission medium. Accordingly, the disclosure isconsidered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or adistribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in whichdata or instructions may be stored.

While the invention has been exampled above with regard totwo-dimensional (2-D) structure, wherein the module are all connected toform a substantially planar structure, it will be appreciated that theinvention equally applies to three-dimensional structure (3-D) whereinthe system formed by the modules connections is a three-dimensionalshape. Examples of engaging parts to form a 3-D structure are disclosedin U.S. Patent Application 2009/0127785 to Kishon entitled: “Puzzle”,U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,001 to Romano entitled: “Multi-Layered DecorativePuzzle Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,914 to Saltanov et al. entitled:“Multi dimensional Puzzle”, U.S. Pat. No. 2,493,697 to Raczkowskientitled: “Profile Building Puzzle”, U.S. Patent Application2009/0127785 to Kishon entitled: “Puzzle” and U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,176 toAuerbach entitled: “Three-Dimensional Puzzle”, which are allincorporated in their entirety for all purposes as if fully set forthherein.

In one example application of the invention, a module or a system formedby connected modules is used as a toy or a game, and thus can becontrived as a form of amusement, education or entertainment. Forexample, it can be played as aiming to reconstruct a system byconnecting or attaching interlocking modules serving as construction toyblocks, for example in a predetermined manner. The modules may taketoy-like shapes such as having a look like a toy character, or accordingto a theme, to give additional interest in the game. The intellectualchallenge involves connecting or attaching of numerous interlocking andtessellating modules. The system formed from the connected modules maybe used to operate electrical devices such as visual or sound-basedindicators, such as a music toy kit, as exampled in system 960 above.The operation of the annunciator attracts the player attention and thusprovides reward for completing the system. In addition to recreationalpurposes, the invention may provide educational and therapeutic benefitsas motor skills, art, music and creative thinking skills are employed.In addition to music and notes applications described above, the modulesand system may be used in training involving spelling, counting andobject and color identification, which may be used by an operator who isin preliterate stage of development, such as a preschool age child.Further, it will be appreciated that the invention equally applies toany game set involving assembling (and disassembling) of modules into anarray (which may be enclosed in a frame structure), wherein the modulesare sized and configured to fit one with other by interlocking, frictionfit or using shaped lugs and cut-outs (e.g. by connectors) for solvingby means of connecting, wherein the modules are each having anelectrical property, such as allowing for electrically announcing theproper solving of the game. Particularly, the invention may apply to anybuilding block toy set or similar construction systems that employmodules that can be assembled together to form larger toys or systems,and wherein the game primary purpose is the recreation or amusement byassembling or disassembling the game. As an example, the game set maycomprise a plurality of inter-engaged game modules, each game modulehaving one or more indentations and one or more protrusions, wherein thegame is solved by the game modules can be assembled together in a singleway using mating indentations and protrusions into a one pre-definedstructure, and wherein each of said game module comprises two or moreconnectors, such that when properly assembled or connected together forman electrical system.

Further, the manner of play may be for diversified ages; diversifiedabilities; diversified approaches; specified age; specified ability;specified approach; creative; artistic; music-oriented; puzzle;recreational; educational; therapeutic; stage-oriented; level-oriented;family-oriented; age-appropriate; selective; thematic; turn indicated;timing indicated; scoring indicated; hierarchical; sequential; matching;choice; according to players, direction, playing order, number ofplayers, teams; procedure indicated; having emission; introductory;junior; standard; intermediate; advanced; professional; numerical;alphabetical; identifying; positioning; pre-determined; improvisational;exchangeable; sharing; rotating; variable; same, different, switch,story, and customize-able.

While the invention has been exampled above with regard to a payloadincluding an annunciator providing visual or audible signaling, it willbe appreciated that the invention equally applies to a payload adaptedto perform other functions, such as physical movement or other motivefunctions (e.g. pop-up figure). For example, the payload may includemotors, winches, fans, reciprocating elements, extending or retracting,and energy conversion elements. In addition, heaters or coolers may beused. Each of the actuator or movement appearance, location, color,type, shape and functionality may be conceptually related to the moduleor system theme (such as image or shape). Further, the payload mayinclude an indicator for indicating free-form, shape, form, amorphous,abstract, conceptual, representational, organic, biomorphic, partiallygeometric, conventional, unconventional, multi-sided, natural,figurative, recognizable concept, geometric, amorphous, abstract,organic, virtual, irregular, regular, biomorphic, conventional,unconventional, symmetric, asymmetric, man-made, composite, geometric,letter, number, code, and symbol. Furthermore, the payload may beindicating associated information such as indicia, indicator, themeindicator, turn indicator, timing indicator, game piece indicator,emission indicator, emission device, playing area indicator, scoringindicator, and procedure indicator. Further, the module or system mayinclude sensors that will be part of the formed electrical circuit, suchas photocells, voltage or current detectors, pressure detectors ormotion detector and manually or automatically operated switches. Each ofthe sensor appearance, location, color, type, shape and functionalitymay be conceptually related to the module or system theme (such as imageor shape).

In one particular example, the invention can be applied to control andautomation, such as industrial control, robotics, factory automation andother similar applications, wherein the control is based on a sequenceof events such as a finite state machine. For example, the system can beused as a substitute or a supplement to a PLC (Programmable ControlLogic). Most control system involves programming language stored insoftware (or firmware) and executed by a processor in order to set (orprogram) or to execute the required set of controlling steps. Oneexample is ladder logic or C language. Updating or changing suchsoftware requires skill and expertise, added to various programmingtools, and thus expensive and complex to a lay person. Further, sincethe software is not directly visible, the programmed control steps arehidden to the user. The system according to the invention can be used to‘program’ a process by connecting or attaching various modules, eachassociated with a different functionality of control step. Such systemforming (as well as its modifications) is easy and intuitive, and doesnot require any expertise, skill or special tools. Further, the controlsteps involved are apparent by the type of modules used and theirlocation in the system and in respect to each other. The formed controlsystem may be used for home entertainment and control applications suchas smart lighting, temperature control, safety and security, for homeawareness applications such as water sensing and control, power sensors,energy monitoring, smoke and fire detectors, smart appliances and accesssensors, for commercial building automation such as energy monitoring,HVAC, lighting and access control, and for industrial applications suchas process control, asset management, environmental management, andindustrial automation.

All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in thisspecifications are herein incorporated by reference as if eachindividual publication, patent, or patent application were specificallyand individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forthin its entirety herein.

Throughout the description and claims this specifications the word“comprise’ and variations of that word such as “comprises” and“comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components,integers or steps.

Those of skill in the art will understand that the various illustrativelogical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in any number of waysincluding electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations ofboth. The various illustrative components, blocks, modules and circuitshave been described generally in terms of their functionality. Whetherthe functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends uponthe particular application and design constraints imposed on the overallsystem. Skilled artisans recognize the interchangeability of hardwareand software under these circumstances, and how best to implement thedescribed functionality for each particular application.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, this should not be construed to limit the scope of theappended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand thatmodifications may be made to the described embodiments. Moreover, tothose skilled in the various arts, the invention itself herein willsuggest solutions to other tasks and adaptations for other applications.It is therefore desired that the present embodiments be considered inall respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being madeto the appended claims rather than the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention.

It will be appreciated that the aforementioned features and advantagesare presented solely by way of example. Accordingly, the foregoingshould not be construed or interpreted to constitute, in any way, anexhaustive enumeration of features and advantages of embodiments of thepresent invention.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by theappended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changesthat come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims areto be embraced within their scope.

1. A first device for electrically connecting and detachably attachingto a second device and to a third device that are identical to the firstdevice, the first device having first and second ends and comprising: afirst connector at the first end of the first device, the firstconnector is electrically connectable to a second connector of thesecond device; a second connector at the second end of the first device,the second connector is electrically connectable to a first connector ofthe third device; an annunciator coupled to be electrically DirectCurrent (DC) powered from the first connector of the first device, theannunciator comprising a visible light emitter for emitting visiblelight or an audible sound generator for emitting audible sound; anelectrically controlled switch connected between DC power contacts ofthe first connector and the annunciator for activating the annunciatorby switching the DC power thereto; and a single enclosure for housingthe first and second connectors, the electrically controlled switch, andthe annunciator, wherein each of the first and second connectorscomprises two Direct Current (DC) power contacts and a signal contact,so that when the first device is connected between the second and thirddevices, DC power is passed between the second connector of the seconddevice and the first connector of the third device, and wherein thefirst device is operative to activate the annunciator in response to afirst signal received from the signal contact of the first connector,and to send a second signal to the second connector of the second devicein response to receiving the first signal.
 2. The first device accordingto claim 1, wherein the DC contacts of the first connector are connectedto the DC contacts of the second connector.
 3. The first deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising firmware and a processor forexecuting instructions embedded in the firmware, wherein the processoris coupled to be electrically Direct Current (DC) powered from the firstconnector and is further coupled to activate the annunciator in responseto the first signal.
 4. The first device according to claim 3, whereinthe processor is coupled to the signal contact of the first connector toreceive the first signal therefrom, and to the signal contact of thesecond connector to transmit the second signal thereto, whereby when thefirst device is connected between the second and third devices, thefirst signal is received from the second device using a point-to-pointconnection and the second signal is transmitted to the third deviceusing a point-to-point connection.
 5. The first device according toclaim 4, further comprising an unbalanced line receiver coupled to thesignal contact of the first connector to receive the first signaltherefrom, and a mating unbalanced line driver coupled to the signalcontact of the second connector to transmit the second signal thereto.6. The first device according to claim 4, wherein the signals are logiclevel signals that are compatible with ComplementaryMetal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS), Transistor-transistor logic (TTL),Low-power Schottky TTL (LSTTL), or high-speed CMOS (HCMOS) levels. 7.The first device according to claim 4, wherein each of the first andsecond signals comprises a trailing edge signaling, and wherein thesecond signal is responsive to a time delayed version of the firstsignal.
 8. The first device according to claim 7, further comprising atimer for producing the time delayed version of the first signal, andwherein the second signal comprises the time delayed version of thefirst signal.
 9. The first device according to claim 3, wherein theprocessor is coupled to control the electrically controlled switch foractivating the annunciator.
 10. The first device according to claim 3,wherein the processor is couple to the signal contact of the firstconnector for receiving the first signal therefrom, for activating theannunciator in response to the received first signal.
 11. The firstdevice according to claim 3, wherein the signal contact of the firstconnector is connected to the signal contact of the second connector toform a linear multi-point bus carrying serial digital data, so that whenthe first device is connected to the second and third devices, thedigital data is passed by the respective connectors of the first devicefrom the second device to the third device via the first device.
 12. Thefirst device according to claim 11, wherein the processor is coupled tothe signal contact of the first connector for receiving the serialdigital data from, and for transmitting the serial digital data to, thebus.
 13. The first device according to claim 12, wherein the annunciatoris controlled or activated in response to the received serial digitaldata.
 14. The first device according to claim 1, wherein each of theconnectors comprises a USB connector.
 15. The first device according toclaim 1, wherein the second end of the first device is opposite to thefirst end of the first device, and the first connector of the firstdevice is opposite to the second connector of the first device.
 16. Thefirst device according to claim 1, in combination with a wheel forsupporting the device.
 17. The first device according to claim 1,wherein the second connector comprises a male connector and the seconddevice has a first connector that comprises a female connector.
 18. Thefirst device according to claim 1, wherein the annunciator comprises thevisible light emitter, and the visible light emitter comprises asemiconductor device, an incandescent lamp, or a fluorescent lamp. 19.The first device according to claim 1, wherein the annunciator comprisesthe visible light emitter, and the device is operative for blinking bythe visible light emitter.
 20. The first device according to claim 1,wherein the appearance of the first device, or the annunciator, relatesto a common theme.
 21. The first device according to claim 1, whereinthe appearance of the first device and the function to be performed bythe annunciator relate to a common theme.
 22. The first device accordingto claim 21, wherein the first device has a color, type, or shapeassociated with the common theme.
 23. The first device according toclaim 22, wherein the theme is a specific type of animal.
 24. The firstdevice according to claim 1, further for detachably attaching to asecond device and to a third device, wherein the first connector isdetachably mechanically couplable to the second connector of the seconddevice and the second connector is detachably mechanically couplable tothe first connector of the third device.
 25. The first device accordingto claim 24, wherein the attachment of the first device to the identicalsecond and third devices uses interlocking, friction fit, or shaped lugsand mating cut-outs.
 26. The first device according to claim 24, whereinthe first device is detachably connectable to the identical second andthird devices using protrusions in one of the devices and cavities inthe other device adapted to receive the protrusions in a frictionalengagement.
 27. A modular game set apparatus comprising three devices,each according to the first device according to claim
 1. 28. The firstdevice according to claim 1, wherein the annunciator comprising thevisible light emitter and the audible sound generator.